
Public Rights of Way
Suffolk County Council (SCC) are responsible for maintaining public rights of way.
To report an issue, such as a broken signpost or an obstruction, you must contact them.
Report a public rights of way issue
- Access general information about public rights of way (from SCC) (information on footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic)
- View a working copy of the Definitive Map (provided by SCC) (shows all legally recorded public rights of way)
Current Public Notices about Public Path Orders
- Mid Suffolk District Council (Wortham Footpaths Nos 21(part) and 22(part)) Public Path Diversion Order 2022 - Confirmed Order
- Confirmation notice - Wortham Public Footpaths Nos 21 and 22
Babergh District Council (Polstead Footpath No 35([part)) Public Path Diversion Order 2021 – Opposed order – Planning Inspectorate Ref: ROW/3304242)
Documents submitted to the Planning Inspectorate (some redacted) – numbering in accordance with document checklist submitted to the Planning Inspectorate:
- Document checklist
- 2. A copy of the order and map
- 2(1). Supplementary Map 1
- 2(2). Supplementary Map 2
- 2(3). Modified Schedule
- 3. Babergh District Council submission letter
- 4. Statement of grounds on which it is considered the order should be confirmed (2 appendices)
- 4. Statement of grounds - Appendix 1
- 4. Statement of grounds – Appendix 2
- 5. List of names of objectors and supporters
- 5(1). Objector 1
- 5(2). Objector 2
- 5(3). Objector 3
- 5(4). Objector 4
- 5(5). Objector 5
- 5(6). Objector 6
- 5(7). Supporter 1
- 5(8). Supporter 2
- 5(9). Supporter 3
- 5(10). Supporter 4
- 5(11). Supporter 5
- 5(12). Supporter 6
- 5(13). Supporter 7
- 6. Statement containing Babergh District Council's comments on the objections (3 appendices)
- 6. Statement containing Babergh District Council's comments on the objections - Appendix 1
- 6. Statement containing Babergh District Council's comments on the objections - Appendix 2
- 6. Statement containing Babergh District Council's comments on the objections - Appendix 3
- 6(1). Table of objections and representations including Babergh District Council's responses
- 7. Copy of the notice publicising the order together with a copy of the newspaper cuttings
- 8. Certificate that, in accordance with the requirements of the Act, notices have been published, served and posted on site and at local offices
- 9. Certificate that necessary consultations have been carried out
- 10. Copies of the replies to the pre-order consultation and responses by Babergh District Council
- 11. Name and address of every person, council or prescribed organisation notified
- 12. Undertaking that if confirmed, notice will be duly published and served; or if not confirmed notice will be duly served
- 13. Location map to enable the Inspector to locate the site
- 14. Written permission from the landowners (applicants) allowing the inspector access to the land
- 15. Name and address of the applicants
- 16. Confirmation that Babergh District Council is supporting the order
- 17. Details of the time and place where documents relating to the order will be made available for public inspection by the authority
- 18. Health and safety questionnaire
- 19. Undertaking that the new path to be provided will be ready for use before the order comes into operation
- 20. Extract from the definitive statement and definitive map
- 21. Details of the statutory designation of the land on which the diversion proposal is sited as an AONB
- 21(1). Map showing extents of AONB
- 22. A copy of the relevant part of Suffolk County Council's Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2020-2030 (Green Access Strategy)
Creating, diverting or extinguishing a public right of way
If you are proposing to create, divert or extinguish a public right of way, you may find the following information helpful:
- Read our guidance notes about the process of applying (to make a permanent change to the public rights of way network)
- Guidance on charges for public path orders and agreements (2023-24)
- A guide to definitive maps and changes to public rights of way (from Natural England)
Creating a public footpath, bridleway or restricted byway
It is strongly recommended you speak with Sharon Berry (Communities Officer for Public Rights of Way) before making an application.
- Email Sharon Berry
- Phone Sharon Berry on 01449 724634
Apply to create a public footpath, bridleway or restricted byway
Accompanying guidance notes for creating a public footpath, bridleway or restricted byway
Diverting a public footpath, bridleway or restricted byway
Apply to divert a public footpath, bridleway or restricted byway
Accompanying guidance notes for diverting a public footpath, bridleway or restricted byway
Extinguishing a public footpath, bridleway or restricted byway
Apply to extinguish a public footpath, bridleway or restricted byway
Accompanying guidance notes for extinguishing a public footpath, bridleway or restricted byway