Decision details

The annual report to Regulatory Committee was presented, in relation to requests or applications for definitive map modification orders and public path orders in progress and waiting to be processed as recorded on the statutory register.

The legal officer reported that, in May 2024, the county council had secured some additional funding to specifically assist with the submission of opposed orders to the Planning Inspectorate. These were matters that had previously been decided by Committee, orders made and, due to objections being received, needed to be sent to the Planning Inspectorate. There had been over 50 opposed orders on the list to be submitted which involved time consuming, specialised work. Officers had now submitted 28 of these matters to the Planning Inspectorate, which was considered to be a substantial achievement.

The Chair thanked the officers for all their hard work on these matters.

Committee were informed that the Government had announced their intention to remove the 2031 cut-off date for recording historical public rights of way for those that were considered to have come into existence before 1949 but were not shown on the Definitive Map. The cut-off date would be repealed by the government when parliamentary time allowed. It was reported that this would not have a huge effect on the number of applications received or on officer workloads.

The officer answered questions on the Annual Progress Report.

County Councillor Cheetham stated that part of Croston Close Road, Ramsbottom was on Lancashire's boundary line with Rochdale and included access to Scout Moor Windfarm. Committee noted that if a road or path stopped at a border, the county council would always liaise with the other responsible authority on these applications.

Resolved: The Regulatory Committee commented on the report and noted the contents.