Footpath diversion order
How to apply
Before a footpath or bridleway can be diverted you must obtain full planning permission. The process can take up to 12 months for a straightforward diversion. A contentious diversion can take several years if strong objections are made.
Costs
Diverting a footpath or bridleway can be costly and can cost between £2,000 and £3,000. The fee can be even higher if the Order is referred to the Secretary of State and a Public Inquiry is held. The process involves obtaining legal advice and advertising proposed diversions in local newspapers. The applicant must pay the administrative and legal costs regardless of whether the application is successful:
- an initial fee of £1,000 paid with the application to divert the footpath
- a final payment paid before the order is confirmed and certified that the order is in place
The £1,000 initial fee is retained if the application is withdrawn or rejected following informal consultation and first advertisement.
What we need from you
- a completed application form with declaration signed
- justification for the proposed extinguishment, stopping up or diversion
- a plan to scale (the path must be shown in its entirety on one page at a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500)
- the initial fee of £1,000
- a copy of the original decision notice
- if the applicant is not the owner of the land then written consent from the land owner is required
Please download the application form, print it and complete it, then upload it, along with all relevant documentation, using our general enquiries online form.
If you wish to pay the £1,000 fee by telephone please contact us on 01823 219 147.
Confirmed footpath diversion notices
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