Definitive Map and Statement - recording rights of way
Public rights of way are protected by law. The Definitive Map is the legal record of all known public rights of way in Cambridgeshire. It is accompanied by the Definitive Statement, which describes the route, position and width where defined of each right of way, as well as any limitations.
The county council is responsible for keeping the Definitive Map and Statement up to date. Records are also kept of many of Cambridgeshire's permissive paths. A permissive path is where a landowner has agreed to let the public use a route on their land, but no legal public right of way exists.
For commercial companies and individuals wishing to apply for a highway / public rights of way or common land and town / village green search, please see our highway searches webpage.
To manage, improve and promote a public rights of way network as an integral part of a wider transport system, we developed a rights of way improvement plan. This forms part of our wider Cambridgeshire Local Transport Plan and can be viewed on our Local Transport Plan webpage.
How to view the Definitive Map and Statement
Public rights of way and permissive paths can be viewed on our interactive My Cambridgeshire map for general reference. The interactive map is not the legal record.
The Definitive Map and Statement cannot be viewed online. These are public documents and can be viewed by appointment only. To arrange an appointment, please email highwaysassetmanagement@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
If you believe you have discovered an error or anomaly, please email highwaysassetmanagement@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
Amending the Definitive Map and Statement
The Definitive Map may be changed using three different principal pieces of legislation described below.
View current Definitive Map and Statement Orders
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Under Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, any person can:
- apply to record a public right of way which can be proved to exist but is not shown in our records
- amend a public right of way which can be proved to have been recorded incorrectly
To make a Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) application or for further information, please see the following documents:
The Highways Act 1980
Public Path Orders under sections 25, 26, 118 and 119 of the Highways Act 1980 may be made to create, extinguish or divert footpaths, bridleways and restricted byways. An application under this Act must meet specific criteria, pass legal tests and undergo a process of public consultation.
The Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Orders to divert and extinguish public rights of way may be made under section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act, to enable development to take place. The process of changing the Definitive Map under this Act follows the planning process.
If you are involved in development that affects public rights of way you can download the Guidance for planners and developers.
