Rights of Way improvement plan consultation

We have prepared a draft of the updated Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan, which sets out the vision and strategy for improving the footpaths, bridleways and byways throughout the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area up to the year 2026.

You are invited to inspect the draft plan and to provide suggestions, ask questions, or to make comments to us.

Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2021 - 2026 (PDF)

The deadline for feedback is 31 January 2022.

Please provide all feedback by email to rightsofway@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

Dorset Rights of Way Improvement Plan Consultation

Dorset Council are consulting on their new Rights of Way Improvement Plan, please find details and a survey here.

Countryside and rights of way act

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW) sets a deadline of 2026 to record Rights of Way based only on pre-1949 evidence on the Definitive Map.

The Ramblers and Open Spaces Society have worked with BCP Council to provide survey information to inform the work to complete the Definitive Map and Statement. Rights claims (where a path or way has been used for 20 years as of right under statute law or less under common law) will continue past the 2026 deadline.

Borough of Poole and Bournemouth Borough Council adopted the Poole and Bournemouth Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) 2017 to 2026 in November 2017. A revised Improvement Plan for BCP Council will be open to public consultation by autumn 2021.