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
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