The Definitive Map and Statement
The Definitive Map and Statement for North Bedfordshire
conclusively shows the legal position of footpaths, bridleways and
Byways Open to All Traffic. The Map shows the routes of public
rights of way and their status, whilst the Statement describes the
route and any restrictions upon it.
Preparation of the map started in the early 1950's after the
passing of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act
1949. The Map is mainly based on surveys undertaken by parish
councils and documentary evidence. Various stages Draft Map,
Modified Draft Map and Provisional Map were followed before the
Definitive Map for North Bedfordshire was published in May
1982.
Under the terms of the above Act urban areas could and were
excluded from the survey that led to the production of The
Definitve Map. The urban area of Bedford was excluded and this is
detailed on The Definitive Map.
Since the map was first published it has been further consolidated.
The consolidation process allows us to republish the maps on a
modern Ordnance Survey base incorporating any changes that have
been made to the network.
Definitive Map Timeline
- Parish Council
Survey Prior
to April 1953
- Draft Map
Published June
1953
- Modified Draft Map
Published October/November
1966
- Provisional Map
Published November
1977
- Definitive Map
Published May
1982
- 1st Consolidated Definitive
Map December 1999
- 2nd Consolidated Definitive
Map January 2004
- 3rd Consolidation Definitive
Map February 2008
- 4th Consolidation Definitive
Map December 2010