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We look after public rights of way throughout the city and the South Downs National Park.
Brighton & Hove City Council is responsible for the public rights of way around our city - footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic. The council will continue to be responsible for rights of way in the South Downs National Park that fall within the authority boundary.
The council has duties under the Highways Act 1980 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to make sure that all rights of way are free from obstructions or other nuisances preventing or deterring the public from using a path. This includes maintaining the definitive map, assessing claims for new rights of way, sign-posting, vegetation clearance, surface improvements and maintaining, enhancing and promoting the existing network.
All public rights of way should be open and able to be used by the public. Any issues can be reported using our online form to report a problem with a right of way or by calling 01273 29 29 29.
Have a look at the paths and green spaces access map to plan a trip around Brighton & Hove, taking in the beautiful South Downs National Park, coastline and cityscape.
The map includes:
Links to other useful maps for planning excursions:
The Rights of Way Improvement Plan (2017 to 2027) has been adopted by the council. The plan sets out how the authority intends to improve provision for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and those with mobility issues over the next ten years.
The council will be working with the Brighton & Hove Local Access Forum and partners to deliver the aims and objectives set out in the plan:
Cityparks:
The council works to provide the least restrictive access possible, for example, replacing stiles with gaps or gates.
Cityparks:
Land manager:
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This map shows all public rights of way in Brighton & Hove that fall into one of the following categories:
Inclusion on the map is accepted in law as evidence of the existence of the right of way. Rights of way shown on other maps, such as Ordnance Survey maps, are based on the definitive map. If you are aware of any omissions or errors please check the definitive map and statement which can be viewed by contacting Cityparks on 01273 292 929.
Only the paper copy has legal status. An online version of the rights of way map is available. The information contained on the online map is regularly updated and maintained but may not be 100% accurate. It does not constitute a definitive statement as to the status of any particular highway.
If you require a more detailed plan and accurate information then you can contact the Parking Infrastructure Team on 01273 293 804 or email parking.infrastructure@brighton-hove.gov.uk. To view the definitive map and statement of rights of way please contact Cityparks on 01273 29 29 29 or email cityparks@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
Anyone has a right to apply for the definitive map to be corrected if they believe there to be an error on the map or information missing. Please contact us for an application form if you wish to make a Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO). View, print or download the council's register of Definitive Map Modification Order Applications (Excel 13KB).
Below are copies of the applications for amendment currently registered with us.
There are no current Public Path Orders in process in the Brighton & Hove Area.
If a public right of way is going to be affected by a development it can be diverted or stopped up by a Public Path Order under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. If there are no planning issues, but the landowner would like to move (divert) or delete (extinguish) a public footpath, bridleway or restricted byway on their land they can apply to the council for a public path diversion or extinguishment order under the Highways Act 1980. However, the criteria to be met are strict and, due to the public consultation element, it is often quite a lengthy process. If a public objection is received it can only proceed by referring it to The Planning Inspectorate. This may result in a public inquiry. The council can also make public path creation orders and agreements. Most of these orders are funded by the applicants.
If a path is used by the public over a long period of time, it can become a public right of way (see DMMOs, above). If a landowner wants to prevent additional public rights of way being established on their land they can deposit a map and statement with us, showing recognised public rights of way that they admit exist over their land; and make a statutory declaration confirming that no new rights of way have been dedicated. This will need to be renewed every 20 years. Please contact us if you wish to make a deposit in respect of your land by emailing cityparks@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Landowners may wish to install other measures, like signs, to challenge any unauthorised public access on their land. Rights of way law is a complex area and landowners are advised to take their own independent legal advice on any issues that may affect their land.
The Section 31(6) deposits registered with Brighton & Hove City Council since 2010, under Section 31(6) of the Highways Act 1980 are detailed on this register. View, print or download the Brighton & Hove Section 31(6) Register (Excel 33KB)
Below are copies of the Statements and Declarations registered with us.
The aim of our Adopt-a-Path Scheme is to help increase people’s use and enjoyment of our public rights of way network. People who use the same paths regularly are encouraged to join the scheme. As a minimum we would encourage members to survey the route at least 4 times a year (once in every season).
If you have a regular walk or cycle / horse ride you enjoy, and want to help us to look after it, then please contact us for further information and to register: cityparks@brighton-hove.gov.uk
For more information take a look at the Volunteer Path Warden leaflet (PDF 545KB)