Suffolk Coastal has power to enter into an agreement to create a
new footpath or bridleway under
section 25 of the Highways Act 1980. An
agreement is drawn up between the owner of the land crossed by the
new route and the Council, which dedicates a new public right of
way over the land. The agreement may include limitations on the
public's right, such as the width of the route.
Creation agreements may be made separately, or they can be part
of a package of proposals submitted by a landowner. Where a new
route is proposed independently as being wholly in the public
interest, and is not part of a package of changes a landowner
wishes to achieve, it can often be jointly funded by Suffolk
Coastal and Suffolk County Council.
Before entering into a creation agreement the Council requires
proof of the landowner's power to dedicate the route. It also
advises the local parish or town council of the proposal, and
consults with the County Council to establish that it is willing to
accept responsibility for the future maintenance of the route.
The Council also has power to create a new footpath or bridleway
by a public path order made under
section 26 of the Highways Act 1980. The Council
would need to be satisfied that there was a need for the route and
about the effect on the land it would cross before doing so. The
Council would also have to have due regard to the needs of
agriculture (including the breeding and keeping of horses),
forestry and nature conservation.
If you want more advice or information about creating a route
then contact us or see our
frequently asked questions page. Follow
this link to download application forms and guidance
notes.
Back to Making changes to footpaths and
bridleways