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Public rights of way

Public rights of way give you the right to walk across certain routes such as roads, paths or tracks, which may run through towns, countryside or private property. You can walk on all public rights of way and some are also open to horse riders, cyclists or motorists.

There are four types of public rights of way:

  • footpaths - for walking, running or mobility vehicles
  • bridleways - for walking, horse riding, cycling or mobility vehicles
  • restricted byways - for any transport without a motor and mobility vehicles
  • byways open to all traffic - for any kind of transport, including cars (but mainly used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders)

Report a problem using a public right of way

If you have a problem using a public right of way such as an obstruction, poor signs, broken gates, or other maintenance problem email prow@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 304233.

Changes to rights of way

We can make changes to the public rights of way map (called the definitive map) if:

  • the map is wrong - a path is missing or not listed as the right sort of path; a footpath could be listed as a bridleway
  • someone has asked us to close or change the route of a path
  • a new path needs to be added

To apply to make any changes to the map email prow@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 304233.

Correct the rights of way map

If you think the map is wrong you can apply to have it corrected and there is no charge for this. We have to publish a list of requests along with the name of the person that asked for the change. It then goes through a legal process (known as a definitive map modification order) and we have 12 months to decide whether or not to make changes to the map.

Change or close a right of way

If you want to change the route of or close a path you can apply to alter a public right of way. If we accept your application it will go through a legal process (known as a public path order) which you will have to pay for. We'll advertise it and ask the public what they think. If anyone objects to it we have to pass it to The Planning Inspectorate for a decision and they could hold a public hearing.

You can temporarily change the route or close a path - for example if you need to lay pipes or cables or for safety reasons - and there is a charge for this. We need at least eight weeks' notice and you'll need to provide an alternative path. Temporary closures can last for a maximum of six months.

Applications for changes

Definitive map modification register

WCA.007: Plymstock Radford Church Hill Road to Stamford Lane

Application

  • Reference: WCA.007
  • Description: Addition of a footpath
  • Date of application: 14 August 2009

Geographical location

  • Grid reference for each end of claimed route: SX494527 to SX492526
  • Principal area: Fort Stamford Country Club, Stamford Lane, Plymstock, Plymouth PL9 9TU
  • Ward(s) affected: Plymstock, Radford

Description of location

  • Church Hill Road to Stamford Lane

About the applicant

  • Applicant's name: Mrs Barbara Mickley
  • Applicant's address: 4 Elford Drive, Oreston, Plymstock, Plymouth PL9 7ND

WCA.007 application

WCA.007 user evidence

WCA.008: Moorview Estover Close to Elizabeth Cottages

Application

  • Reference: WCA.008
  • Description: Addition of a footpath
  • Date of application: 17 December 2009

Geographical location

  • Grid reference for each end of claimed route: SX516600 to SX519602
  • Principal area: Forresters Business Park, Estover Close, Plymouth PL6 7PL Ward(s) affected: Moorview

Description of location

  • Estover Close to National Trust land next to Elizabeth Cottages

About the applicant

  • Applicant's name: Mrs Carol Launder
  • Applicant's address: 33 Rydal Close, Estover, Plymouth PL6 8TR

WCA.008 application

WCA.008 user evidence

WCA.012: Peverell Venn Close to Beechfield Grove

Application

  • Reference: WCA.012
  • Description: Addition of a footpath
  • Date of application: 30 January 2014

Geographical location

  • Grid reference for each end of claimed route: SX482569 to SX482566
  • Principal area: Hartley
  • Ward(s) affected: Peverell

Description of location

  • Path between Venn Close and Beechfield Grove, Hartley, Plymouth PL3 5NS

About the applicant

  • Applicant's name: Mr Bentley Bennett
  • Applicant's address: 31 Venn Grove, Hartley, Plymouth PL3 5PH

WCA.012 application

WCA.013: Southway Downham Gardens to Harwood Avenue

Application

  • Reference: WCA.013
  • Description: Addition of a footpath
  • Date of application: 29 April 2015

Geographical location

  • Grid reference for each end of claimed route: SX47377612271 to SX4731461197
  • Principal area: Tamerton Foliot
  • Ward(s) affected: Southway

Description of location

  • Link between Downham Gardens and Harwood Avenue

About the applicant

  • Applicant's name: Mr Tom Brookes
  • Applicant's address: 44 Downham Gardens, Plymouth, Devon, PL5 4QF

WCA.013 application

WCA.013 user evidence

Rights of way map

We look after a map - called the definitive map - which is a legal record of the public rights of way in Plymouth. The map is updated every few years but our rights of way are always changing so we also publish changes to the map. So just because a way is not shown on the map it doesn't mean public rights don't exist.

You can download sections of the map below. If you'd like to talk to someone about the map please make an appointment; email prow@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 304233. We can copy sections of it for you but there may be a charge for this.

You can also view the map online at Plymstock, Plympton or the Central Library. Libraries can print off sections of the map however there will be a charge - library charges.

2014 definitive statement