Right of way

A right of way is a form of easement, which allows the entitled person pedestrian or vehicular access across the land of another person. This right can be in the form of a deed or may arise by implication or by long use. A right of way may exist only for limited purposes.

Public rights of way are a general right to access across land. A public right of way can be established by:

• Express dedication, where a landowner has given the public the right.
• Presumed dedication, where a right of way has been in use for longer than can be remembered.
• Deemed dedication, where a right of way has been used for 20 years or more.

Landowners and occupiers must ensure that rights of way are not obstructed and that the route is identifiable. This can affect proposed developments.

The planning inspectorate deals with applications to create, divert or extinguish rights of way.

The term 'stopped-up' refers to the permanent closure of a public right of way.

NB: In 2013, The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs consulted on proposals to simplify rights of way regulations by changing the processes for recording, diverting and extinguishing public rights of way (ref. DEFRA).

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Bridleway.
• Common area.
• Common land.
• Commons Act 2006.
• Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
• Cycle path.
• Easements.
• Neighbour trouble.
• Permissive path.
• Prescriptive rights of way.
• Property rights.
• Quiet enjoyment.
• Restrictive covenants.
• Right of support.
• Right to light.
• Right to a view.
• Right to access land.
• Rights over land.
• Tree rights.
• Trespass.
• Village green registration.
• Wayleave.

[edit] External references

• Natural England: What is the legal status of public rights of way?
• Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.