Thursday, 28 August 2008
Under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000, every Local Authority is required to maintain and publicise a register of formal claims for new Rights of Way (Footpaths, Bridleways and Byways) and amendments to existing Rights of Way.
Although many enquiries are received about possible changes to the Rights of Way network, a much smaller number are formally registered.
Formal registration means that an application has met the conditions required by Schedule 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If you wish to make such a claim, please contact the Rights of Way section, (details at top of page), who will explain what is required and supply the necessary documentation. In the first instance some evidence, such as old maps, photos or statements of use, must be provided by the claimant.
Below is a summary table of the formal claims that have previously been received.
| Parish | Description of claimed route | Claimed status of route | Status of claim | Date of claim | Date determined |
| Hatfield | Dunscroft Playing Field | Footpath | Complete (R) | 30th April 05 | 12th July 05 |
| Fenwick | Methodist Chapel | Footpath | Complete (R) | 24th May 03 | 15th Nov 05 |
| Rossington | Toad Holes Lane to Wadworth Bridge | Footpath | Outstanding | 7th Aug 06 | |
| Thorpe in Balne | Dormer Green Lane | Restricted Byway | Withdrawn | 3rd Aug 06 | 22nd Mar 07 |
| Auckley | Sandhill Rise | Footpath | Complete (O) | 19th June 06 | 26th June 07 |
| Thorne | Canal Bank - West Street to Wikewell Bridge | Footpath | Complete (X) | 18th Sept 06 | 13th May 08 |
| Wadworth | Tofield Road to Wadworth Wood | Footpath | Outstanding | 13th Oct 06 | |
| Hatfield | Adjacent St Lawrence's churchyard | Footpath | Complete (O) | 8th Nov 06 | 5th June 07 |
| Armthorpe | Seven Yards Road | Footpath | Outstanding | 19th Mar 07 | |
| Moss | Noble Thorpe Lane | Restricted Byway | Outstanding | 20th June 07 | |
| Warmsworth | Moses Lane | Footpath | Complete (O) | 12th July 07 | 13th May 08 |
| Doncaster | Bank of River Don - Hexthorpe to Warmsworth viaduct | Footpath | Complete (R) | 16th July 07 | 18th Sept 07 |
| Conisbrough Parks | Common Lane to Back Lane Clifton | Footpath | Complete (O) | 18th Oct 07 | 8th Jan 08 |
| Doncaster | Hag Wood- Shaw Lane | Footpath | Complete (O) | 25th March 08 | 1st April 08 |
Key
Complete (R) - Route now a definitive Right of Way
Complete (O) - Planning Committee decision to make a Draft Definitive Map Modification Order. Legal process now in progress
Complete (X) - Planning Committee decision not to authorise the making of a Definitive Map Modification Order
Outstanding - Doncaster Council yet to decide whether or not to make Draft Definitive Map Modification Order
Withdrawn - Claimant withdrew claim
The Register can now be viewed by members of the public on the "Schedule 14 claims" page which is accessible from the menu bar on the left of the screen. Alternatively, it is possible to visit the Public Rights of Way section in person to view the accompanying paper copy or use the Personal Computers there to view the website.
A separate register is held of informal claims for new Rights of Way or amendments to existing Rights of Way. The quality of the claims varies widely. Some are backed by sufficient evidence that they will probably lead to the recording of a new Public Right of Way, whilst others will prove to be little more than a wish to be able to use a new route.
It has not been possible to investigate all of the claims so if you have any further information supporting or refuting any of the items listed, we'd be pleased to hear from you as this is very much a working document and will be updated periodically.
Once a properly submitted formal claim has been submitted, Doncaster Council will decide whether or not it will support and proceed with the claim.
If the decision has not been taken within 12 months of submission, the claimant is entitled to request that the Secretary of State directs Doncaster Council to do so within a specified time. A claimant may also appeal if the Council decides that backing evidence is insufficient to enable them to support the claim.
The Council is not entitled to make the final decision on the claim. If the Council does decide to support the claim then a process of formal public consultation is necessary and those with an interest in the claimed route may object. If there are no objections, the Council can confirm the claim as made. If there are objections, a Public Inquiry will be held and an independent Inspector will decide the claim based on the evidence presented.
