Deadline to record historic footpaths to be scrapped
Thousands of miles of pavements facing being lost forever could now be saved after the government pledged to lift a deadline for mapping all rights of way in England.
People have been given until 2031 to add all historic but unrecorded public roads and bridleways to the country’s official “final map”.
The government said lifting the deadline would give councils time to assess whether roads meet requirements.
Walking campaigners welcomed the news but the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) said scrapping the deadline would mean claims would “continue to disrupt many farming businesses for years to come”.
In 1949 legislation was passed requiring local authorities to draw a “final map” showing public rights of way in their area.
But the documents are under ongoing review, meaning anyone with appropriate evidence can apply to have the route added.
It is estimated that there are over 40,000 miles of rights of way in England that are not officially recorded.
previous conservative government There are also plans to remove the deadline for registration of historic trails But it was later decided to extend it from 2026 to 2031, saying it would provide more certainty for landowners, councils and users.
But the Local Government Association said financial pressures have left councils with limited resources to process applications, making the 2031 deadline “unlikely to be met”.
BBC research found that as of March this year, there were nearly 8,000 requests to add routes to official maps pending.
Once a right of way has been established, local authorities and landowners have a legal responsibility to maintain it.
Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Association, said if the paths were not recorded, developers could build houses on them, or landowners could grow crops.
“We need to put these trails on the map so we know where they are so we can use and enjoy them,” she said.
“The 2031 cut-off is to stop us doing that, which means all these public roads will remain secret and will disappear.”
The government plans to scrap the deadline when parliamentary time permits.
However, NFU vice-president David Exwood said public engagement needed to be balanced with efficient farming.
“The current plan simply continues an outdated focus on a route that has not been used for centuries,” he said.
“Instead, the focus should be on a network that is fit for the future, encourages responsible use, respects arable land and promotes safety in line with the Rural Code.”
He added that the government’s announcement, which did not clearly explain how the backlog of applications would be cleared, “continues to put pressure on local authorities”.
Ross Maloney, chief executive of the Ramblers charity, said the announcement ended “threats to thousands of miles of historic rights of way in England”.
He added: “These roads are not only part of our shared heritage but will also play a key role in the future, helping people live healthier and happier lives.”
Transport Secretary Baroness Hayman said: “Our countryside and green spaces are a source of national pride, but too many people across the country are unable to enjoy the outdoors.
“These well-traveled routes, many of which have existed for hundreds of years, are part of our shared heritage and it is vital that we take these steps to protect their long-term future.”
