Definitive Map Modification Orders

Register of Applications

(as required under section 53B of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000)

A Definitive Map Modification Order is a legal order which changes the Definitive Map and Statement.

The Definitive Map and Statement is a statutory record of public rights of way and anyone has a right to apply for it to be corrected where they believe there to be an error or omission. The decision on whether or not to make such a correction is based purely on the evidence of what public rights exist and is not concerned with issues of management of the ways, desirability of the routes or other such matters. These other concerns may be appropriate, and may form part of any subsequent management of a route that is amended or added by an order, but they are not matters that can be taken into account in determining the Definitive Map Modification Order.

A Definitive Map Modification Order cannot create rights that do not already exist, stop-up rights that do exist nor divert paths onto a preferred route (there are other mechanisms for doing this). It is solely concerned with modifying the Definitive Map and Statement to show the rights that legally exist.

Further information on Definitive Map Modification Orders can be found on the Countryside Agency website at: http://countryside.gov.uk/Publications/articles/Publication_tcm2-4326.asp

All applications in Worcestershire are processed by the Countryside Mapping Team and the process is broadly as follows:

• Investigation into the evidence and consultation with interested parties
• Report and recommendation
• Elected Members’ decision on whether or not to make a Definitive Map Modification Order
• (Appeal by applicant against decision not to make an order)
• Making of Definitive Map Modification Order
• Objections to the Order
• Confirmation of the Order (If no objections remain) or;
• Referral to Secretary of State for decision whether or not to confirm the Order – the Secretary of State may decide to hold a Public Inquiry or Hearing, or to invite written representations, to help her/him to make the decision.

The making, confirmation or holding of a public inquiry is advertised both in local newspapers and by notices on site.

The list of outstanding applications for definitive map modification orders can be seen by clicking on the link below. To view the map of any application route, click on the reference number within the first column of the list:

Go to list of Definitive Map Modification Order applications

Note:
Worcestershire County Council is the Surveying Authority for the area within the County boundary, and as such is responsible for the Definitive Map and Statement for Worcestershire. The mechanism for making a correction to the Definitive Map and Statement is a Definitive Map Modification Order and whilst Worcestershire County Council has a duty to process all applications for such orders, no guarantee can be given regarding the outcome as this is dependant upon [a] the evidence presented or discovered and [b] the Secretary of State’s decision, if the County Council’s decision is appealed against.

• Countryside Service
• Public Rights of Way
• What are Public Rights of Way
• Definitive Rights of Way Map
• Maintenance and Obstructions
• Reporting a Problem
• Recording, Changing and Closing
• Rights of Way Improvement Plan
• Local Access Forum
• County Council Working Practices
• Working Practices
• Local Contacts
• Section 31 Deposits
• Definitive Map Modification Orders
• Definitive Map Modification Order Reports
• Rosses and Guises Lanes, Wichenford