Enforcement of public rights of way

We are responsible for ensuring that public rights of way are kept clear of obstructions and that landowners meet their responsibilities in this respect. We offer advice and where appropriate take action over blocked or disputed public rights of way.

We can also take action when the blocking of the public right of way results from a breach of planning permission, either:

• the development has not been carried out in accordance with the approved plans
• a condition of the planning permission has not been complied with.

We cannot take action over blocked or disputed private rights of way. Anyone affected in this way should consult a solicitor.

Check if a path or footpath is a public right of way

If you wish to check whether a path is a public right of way please contact us. An officer will check the status of the route on the definitive map and statement of public rights of way.

If the route is not recorded as a public right of way it could be a claimed path. We are not responsible for maintaining unrecorded paths.