North Dorset - public rights of way affected by development

If you have been granted planning permission in North Dorset to build over a right of way you will need to apply to divert the path or stop it up.

North Dorset District Council deals only with applications to divert or extinguish footpaths or bridleways when it is necessary as a result of a planning permission that has been granted by this council.

You can complete an application and email it to licensing@north-dorset.gov.uk or print it and post it to Licensing, North Dorset District Council, Nordon, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum DT11 7LL -

Even then applications can be considered only if the building work for which the planning permission has been given cannot be completed unless the path is moved or removed.

In order for the District Council to be able to process an application the building work must not have been started. The procedure (pdf, 64kb) (opens in a new window) for dealing with Town and Country Planning Act orders for diverting or stopping up a path can take a considerable amount of time and there is no guarantee that it will be successful. Local residents and consultees both have the right to object to any Order. For further information, please see Rights of Way consultees - North Dorset (pdf, 45kb) (opens in a new window) .

We can make and confirm an uncontested order, but if objections are received and remain unresolved the decision as to whether or not to confirm an order lies with the Planning Inspectorate.

Fees

£1000.00 for the administrative and legal costs connected with the making of the order applied for. Plus £150.00 for each additional path. The fee is payable when the Order is made and we will arrange for an invoice to be sent to you.

Plus - all advertising costs associated with the Order and Conformation notices. These will be invoiced at the time of the advert.

Plus - the cost of any engineering or other like works including the cost of erecting any signposts required by the District Council, the Highway Authority, or the Secretary of State, in connection with the order.