Public Rights of Way
There are over 2,200 kilometres of public rights of way in Bedfordshire consisting of footpaths (a right of way on foot only), bridleways (open to walkers, horse-riders and pedal cyclists) and public byways (open to all classes of traffic including motor vehicles, but mainly used for the purposes of a footpath or bridleway). The public rights of way network is an important recreational resource for walkers, cyclists and horse riders and forms an essential part of an integrated transport system.
The Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way is maintained by Bedfordshire County Council and copies of the maps covering the whole of Bedfordshire are held at County Hall, Bedford. If a way is shown on the Map then that is conclusive evidence of public rights along the way unless there has been a legally authorised amendment. However, the fact that a way is not shown on the Map is not proof that the public has no rights over it and, thus, the Definitive Map may be subject to change.
Copies of the Maps which cover the Mid Beds district are also held at MBDC’s office at Priory House, Chicksands and can be viewed during normal office hours.
Bedfordshire County Council, as the Highway Authority, is responsible for the maintenance of all public highways and for keeping them free from obstructions. This includes the cutting back of vegetation.
The District Council has a duty to keep the paths clean and clear of litter and refuse, so far as is practicable.
As the Planning Authority, Mid Bedfordshire District Council has the power to make alterations to the routes of public rights of way under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. As rights of way are protected by law, changes to these routes can only be made after the necessary legal processes. These changes come about as a result of landowners/developers/agents approaching this Authority wishing to make alterations to routes, predominantly to enable development to take place.
The granting of planning permission does not bestow to the developer, or landowner, the power to divert, extinguish or alter the status of any public right of way which may be affected by the development. Changes can only be made by a separate legal procedure.
Under the Commons Registration Act 1965, Bedfordshire County Council is the Commons Registration Authority, and as such has responsibility for maintaining the register of Common Land and Town or Village Greens.
Bedfordshire County Council carry out searches (CR1 Form) of the Common Land and Town or Village Green Registers and provide certificates. Members of the public can inspect free of charge.
For more information please contact Siobhan Vincent on 08458 495 346, Siobhan.Vincent@midbeds.gov.uk or go to Bedfordshire County Council’s website using the link below for more information on Common Land and Town or Village Greens
* Download Planning Services Standards 2008 (application/pdf; 34kb)
