The Labour Government has reversed the 2031 cut-off for paths to be registered
Defra has announced it is scrapping the 2031 cut-off date for adding unrecorded rights of way to the Definitive Map in England in what is being described as the Government's latest attack on farming.
The move will, according to Labour, give local authorities the required time to assess whether paths - which stretch more than 40,000 miles - meet the requirements to be added to the ‘definitive map' and prevent them from being lost to the public.
Minister for Access, Baroness Hayman said the plans would ensure more people got to experience and enjoy the countryside.
"This is only the beginning to our plans to increase access to our great countryside as part of a decade of national renewal. This Government will plant three new National Forests and create nine new National Rivers Walks for families to enjoy for the generations to come."
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However, the proposals have been criticised by CLA deputy president Gavin Lane who said: "This is a backward step and the latest attack on the countryside and farmers."
Mr Lane said campaigners have had decades to record rights of way, and the decision to scrap the 2031 cut-off date, which was introduced by the previous government, has been made without engaging with those who will be affected. He said the move would ‘inflict significant uncertainty on farmers and land managers'.
"This country already has an enormous amount of public access – with 140,000 miles of footpath and 3.5m acres of public access land in England and Wales alone."
Mental health
Marian Spain, chief executive of Natural England said: "Our centuries-old network of walking and riding routes are a wonderful way for people to enjoy our beautiful countryside and wildlife. Access to the outdoors makes a huge contribution to the quality of our lives and our wellbeing, with ever growing evidence of how vital contact with nature is for our physical and mental health.
"Giving local authorities time to take proper account of the interests of all parties when considering these historical routes is vital if we are to add to that legacy and enable future generations to enjoy being outdoors."
