The government’s commitment to lifting the deadline for mapping all rights of ways in England could save thousands of miles of footpaths from being lost forever.
Previously, people were required to have all historic unrecorded public paths and bridleways added to the nation’s official “definitive map” by 2031.
Scrapping the cut-off date will provide councils more time to assess whether paths meet the requirements, a move welcomed by walking campaigners.
However, the National Farmers’ Union expressed concerns that removing the deadline could disrupt farm businesses for years to come.
Legislation passed in 1949 required local authorities to create a “definitive map” showing public rights of way, with continuous reviews allowing for path additions based on appropriate evidence.
An estimated 40,000 miles of rights of way in England are not officially recorded, leading to the extension of the cut-off date from 2026 to 2031 to provide more certainty.
Financial pressures on councils hinder application processing, making the 2031 deadline unlikely to be met.
As of March this year, nearly 8,000 path requests await processing for inclusion in the official map.
Established rights of way make local authorities and landowners legally responsible for maintenance.
Recording paths prevents unwanted development or land use, ensuring paths are known, accessible, and enjoyed by the public.
The government plans to repeal the 2031 cut-off date once parliamentary time allows.
NFU emphasizes the need for balanced public access and farm productivity, advocating for a network fit for the future.
However, the government’s lack of clarity on addressing the application backlog continues to strain local authorities.
The Ramblers charity CEO welcomes the decision, highlighting the importance of historic rights of way in preserving heritage and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Minister for Access Baroness Hayman emphasizes the importance of protecting these well-trodden routes for future generations.