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.^[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

Ceremonial County	District council	Website
Bedfordshire	Bedford	Official website
Bedfordshire	Central Bedfordshire	Official website
Berkshire	West Berkshire	Official website
Berkshire	Bracknell Forest	Official website
Berkshire	Windsor and Maidenhead	Official website

References

^ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/414670/definitive-map-guide.pdf ^{[bare URL PDF]}

External links

[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

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[1] ttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/414670/definitive-map-guide.pdf ^{[bare URL PDF]}

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