Safeguard footpath fears

LANDOWNERS WHO fear new footpaths may be created on their land can help safeguard their position, according to a firm of rural consultants.
 
“People often forget that public rights of way can still be created by 20 years of uninterrupted use,” says Stephen Rutledge of Fisher German.

“Not only do rights of way give rise to confrontation between landowners and the public using them, but they can also have a bearing on the value of property.”
 
But Mr Rutledge adds: “Thankfully the law recognises there are problems.

“Under the Highways Act, landowners can protect their property by submitting statements and maps with the council.
 
“The result is that any public use of the land after the submission to the council will not count towards the twenty years‘ use necessary to establish a new right of way.”