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 download these applications here -

• North Dorset Application to Divert a Right of Way (pdf, 118kb) (opens in a new window)

• North Dorset Application to Stop Up a Right of Way (pdf, 99kb) (opens in a new window)

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.

Plus - all advertising costs associated with the Order and Conformation notices.

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.

• Name: North Dorset District Council - Licensing Team
  Email: licensing@north-dorset.gov.uk
  Tel: 01258 484022/141
  Fax: 01258 484298
  Full details for North Dorset District Council - Licensing Team