Use this page to find out how to apply to divert a path or public right of way.
The legal process
We have discretionary powers to divert public rights of way through Public Path Orders (PPOs). Non-planning related diversions are made under the Highways Act 1980, and planning-related diversions are made under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
To apply for a PPO to divert a path, your application must meet the criteria of the relevant legislation:
- for non-planning related applications, we can divert a path if it is in the interests of the public, owner, occupier or lessee/tenant
- for planning-related applications, we can divert a path to allow development to take place
Each piece of legislation contains legal tests which your application must meet. We will also consider if an application meets our Public Path Order Policy.
How long it takes
It can take a minimum of 8 months for us to confirm an order to divert a path.
If there are objections to an order and you cannot reach an agreement with the objectors, the process can take several years.
Fees and charges
The total cost for non-planning related diversions is £4,349.
The total cost for planning related diversions is £5,479.
For both types of diversion, you will need to pay a £1,089 application fee when you submit your application. You will only need to pay the remaining amount if your application is successful and we decide to make a PPO.
Additionally, you will be responsible for any compensation which may become payable as a result of the Order, and for any costs for bringing the new path into a suitable condition. We will agree any necessary works with you before we decide to make the Order.
How to apply
To apply for a diversion, you need to complete the relevant form for non-planning related or planning related diversions:
Non-planning related forms
- Application form, Word (Highways Act 1980)
- Application form, PDF (Highways Act 1980)
Planning related forms
- Application form, Word (Town and Country Planning Act 1990)
- Application form, PDF (Town and Country Planning Act 1990)
You need to send the completed form to us through our online form.
What happens next
We usually process applications in the order we receive them.
Once we start to process an application, we hold an informal consultation and decide whether to make an Order.
If we decide to make an Order, we will advertise the PPO and anyone can formally object.
Select a topic below to find out what happens if we do or do not receive objections during the formal consultation.
If we don't receive any objections, we will confirm the order and it will come into effect once works have been satisfactorily completed.
If we do receive objections, we will decide to take one of the following actions:
- abandon the Order
- submit it for determination by the Secretary of State
If we abandon the Order, the process ends here.
If we submit the order to the Secretary of State, an Inspector acting on behalf of the Secretary of State will hold a Public Inquiry or Hearing. They may also consider the Order through Written Representations.
They will then decide whether the Order should be confirmed.