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A new right of way over any land which has been used and enjoyed by the public uninterrupted for a full period of 20 years can be deemed to be dedicated as a highway unless the landowner has clearly demonstrated that they did not intend such an outcome.

What can a landowner do to prevent a claim?

It is possible for landowners to protect themselves from subsequent claims that a public path has come into being by deemed dedication by making a deposit under Section 31 of the Highways Act 1980. Under the Growth and Infrastructure Act 2013 statements can now be made in respect of a Right of Way, or a town and village green or a Statement which covers both. The statements are valid for a period of 20 years.

Highway statement or declaration

For rights of way, under section 31(6) of the Highways Act 1980, landowners can deposit a statement and map acknowledging which ways (if any) they admit to having been dedicated as highways. This challenges the public’s use of any other way(s). A landowner may then within 20 years of the original statement and map, lodge a formal declaration to the effect that no additional way(s) has been dedicated. Such a declaration will be sufficient evidence to negate the intention to dedicate additional ways as highways.

Landowner statement

Landowner statements apply specifically to greens. For land which has been subject to recreational use without force or permission, landowners may now deposit a statement and map the effect of which is to interrupt such a period which brings an end to the recreational use ‘as of right’ – meaning without force, secrecy or permission. A Landowner may then within 20 years of the original statement and map, lodge a formal declaration to the effect that it will again interrupt any such recreational use.

Statements for land within the Borough are held by Bedford Borough Council. It cannot accept applications for land outside that area. If you want to make statements for such land we can advise you who to contact in neighbouring authorities.

Form CA16 which is the new application form to be used can be downloaded (see link below). You will also need to enclose a map showing the land that is the subject of the deposit and details of the ownership of the land. 

Contact Highways.Helpdesk@bedford.gov.uk for further information.

On completion please send to: Bedford Borough Council, Highways Depot, London Road, Bedford, MK42 0QG.

Register of Highways Act 1980 Section 31 Deposits and Statutory Declarations, and Commons Act 2006 S15A Landowner Statements

Biddenham

Bletsoe

  • Ibbett 
    Parish of Bletsoe (includes land in Bromham, Clapham, Felmersham, Kempston Urban, Knotting and Souldrop, Milton Ernest, Pavenham, Riseley, Sharnbrook, Wyboston Chawston and Colesden)
    Highways Act 1980 S31 Statutory Declaration dated 21/05/2020           
                                
  • Knights L – TL0258 7875
    Parish of Bletsoe
    Highways Act 1980 S31 Statutory Declaration dated 05/02/2017


Bolnhurst and Keysoe

 


Cardington


Carlton and Chellington


Clapham


Colmworth

 


Cople


Dean and Shelton


Felmersham and Radwell


Great Barford

Harrold

 


Kempston Rural


Knotting and Souldrop

  • St Albans Diocesan – see Parish of Colmworth


Little Barford


Little Staughton


Melchbourne and Yielden

 


Milton Ernest

  • Bedfordia
    Parishes of Milton Ernest ( also includes land in Bedford, Biddenham, Bletsoe, Bromham, Clapham, Kempston Rural, Kempston Urban, Knotting and Souldrop, , Oakley, Odell, Ravensden, Sharnbrook and Thurleigh)
    Highways Act 1980 S31 Statutory Declaration dated 22/05/2020
     
  • Ibbett Ibbett maps1, maps2
    Parishes of Bletsoe, Bromham, Clapham, Felmersham, Kempston Urban, Knotting and Souldrop, Milton Ernest, Pavenham, Riseley, Sharnbrook, Wyboston Chawston and Colesden
    Declaration dated 21/05/202

 

  • St Albans Diocesan – see Parish of Colmworth


Oakley

 

Odell


Pavenham

  • Wildlife Trust see Cople


Pertenhall

 

 


Podington


Renhold


Riseley

 

Roxton

 

Sharnbrook


Stagsden

Staploe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stevington 

Stewartby

Thurleigh

Turvey


Willington


Wilstead

Wootton

  • Trustees of Land at Hall End
    Parish of Wootton
    Highways At 1980 S31 Deposit dated 28/02/2022  - see Gauntlet Kempston Rural
    Highways Act 1980 S31 Statutory Declaration dated 01/03/2022 - see Gauntlett Kempston Rural


Wyboston, Chawston and Colesden


Wymington