Scrapping 2031 cut-off date for adding unrecorded rights of way 'is latest attack on countryside'
Defra announcement will inflict uncertainty on farmers and land managers, argues CLA
Scrapping the 2031 cut-off date for adding unrecorded rights of way is the 'latest attack on the countryside', the CLA has argued.
Defra has announced it is repealing the date brought in by the last government, in a blow to farmers and land managers.
In March 2023 the last government agreed to the 2031 deadline for adding unrecorded rights of way to the Definitive Map in England.
But it is now being removed by the current government, with Ministers also aiming to create nine new river walks and three national forests.
'Backward step'
CLA Deputy President Gavin Lane said:
"This is a backward step and is the latest attack on the countryside and farmers."
Campaigners have had decades to record rights of way, and the decision to scrap the 2031 cut-off date has been made without engaging with those who will be affected, inflicting significant uncertainty on farmers and land managers
“The vast majority of landowners are keen to promote responsible access, and work in collaboration with Defra and campaigning groups to ensure people can continue to experience the benefits of the countryside in decades to come.
“This country already has an enormous amount of public access – with 140,000 miles of public rights of way and 3.5m acres of public access land in England and Wales alone.”
Local authorities assess whether paths meet the requirements to be added to the “definitive map”. This is the legal record of public rights of way and was established by the Atlee government when it passed the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 75 years ago.
Once a right of way has been established the relevant local authority will then be legally responsible for maintaining them along with the appropriate landowner.