Definitive map
A definitive map is a record of public rights of way in England and Wales. In law it is the definitive record of where a right of way is located. The highway authority (normally the county council, or unitary authority in areas with a one-tier system) has a statutory duty to maintain a definitive map. In national parks, the National Park Authority usually maintains the map. The Inner London boroughs are exempt from the statutory duty, though they have the powers to maintain a map: currently none does so. Details of the definitive map process are set out in the Natural England document A guide to definitive maps and changes to public rights of way. Each right of way also has a written description referred to as the definitive statement. Generally the definitive map takes legal precedence over the definitive statement.
A definitive map is a record of public rights of way in England and Wales. In law it is the definitive record of where a right of way is located. The highway authority (normally the county council, or unitary authority in areas with a one-tier system) has a statutory duty to maintain a definitive map. In national parks, the National Park Authority usually maintains the map. The Inner London boroughs are exempt from the statutory duty, though they have the powers to maintain a map: currently none does so. Details of the definitive map process are set out in the Natural England document A guide to definitive maps and changes to public rights of way.[1]
Each right of way also has a written description referred to as the definitive statement. Generally the definitive map takes legal precedence over the definitive statement.
Examples of Definitive Maps
[edit]| Ceremonial County | District council | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Bedfordshire | Bedford | Official website |
| Bedfordshire | Central Bedfordshire | Official website |
| Berkshire | West Berkshire | Official website Archived 29 July 2020 at the Wayback Machine |
| Berkshire | Bracknell Forest | Official website Archived 29 July 2020 at the Wayback Machine |
| Berkshire | Windsor and Maidenhead | Official website Archived 3 June 2019 at the Wayback Machine |
References
[edit]- ^ "A guide to definitive maps and changes to public rights of way- 2008 Revision" (PDF). assets.publishing.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
External links
[edit]- [1] Public Paths and the Definitive Map from the Ramblers Association
- [2] Definitive Map Orders: Consistency Guidelines from the Planning Inspectorate
- [3] List of online Definitive Maps for each UK county
- [4] Natural England document A guide to definitive maps and changes to public rights of way
 | This legal term article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by adding missing information. |