Applications for definitive map and statement modification orders

However, you may have evidence that:

• There may be a path that is not shown that you and others have been using as a public right of way for years and may wish to have recorded
• A path shown with a particular description should be shown as a highway of a different description, for example where a footpath has been used for many years by horseriders and you wish to apply to have it recorded as a bridleway
• There is no public right of way over land shown in the map and statement of any description, or it is in the wrong place
• Any other particulars in the map and statement require modification

Anyone may apply to the County Council to modify the definitive map and statement of rights of way and we have a legal duty to investigate their claims, examine the evidence and, in the light of the evidence, decide whether or not the claimed rights exist. The evidence may be in the form of historical documents or modern usage or both.

Please note that this procedure is not used:

• Where you think it would be a good idea to have a public path in a particular place
• If you think that the path is not suitable for its current classification and should be changed
• If you think that the path is not needed for public use

These are not matters that can be taken into account under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

We are also required by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to keep the map and statement under continuous review and to modify them if there is evidence that they are incorrect.

Preliminary stages you need to carry out if you wish to make a claim:

• Check the definitive map
• Talk to the Definitive Map Team - we may be able to help with plans
• Check our online  Register of DMMO applications (opens in a new window) to see whether a claim has already been made for this route
• Download the  application forms (pdf, 84kb) (opens in a new window) and  Natural England guidance (opens in a new window)
• Gather your evidence, both documentary and from users of the route
• Complete the forms carefully, we will help if you have any questions
• Identify all the owners and occupiers of all land to which the application relates (this includes anyone that has land next to the route in question and anyone who may have access along it)
• Tell them that you are making the application by giving them a completed 'Form B' - the Notice to be sent to all occupiers and owners affected by the application
• Send in your application to the Rights of Way Definitive Map Team
• We will deal with your application as stated in our procedures for dealing with definitive map modification order applications (pdf, 35kb) (opens in a new window)  and subject to our Statement of Priorities (pdf, 26kb) (opens in a new window)

• Senior Rights of Way Officer (Definitive Map)
  Name: Vanessa Penny
  Email: dorsetdirect@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 224463
  Full details for Vanessa Penny
• Rights of Way Officer (definitive map)
  Name: Phil Hobson
  Email: dorsetdirect@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 224463
  Full details for Phil Hobson
• Rights of Way Officer (Definitive Map)
  Name: Roger Bell
  Email: dorsetdirect@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 224463
  Full details for Roger Bell