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