This event will be repeated in Leeds on 3rd December - click here for details.

The Context:

The 2026 cut-off date was supposed to provide an incentive for local authorities to complete the legal record of public rights of way and remove uncertainty for landowners. However, with complex procedures and costly disagreements with landowners remaining, the record will not be complete by 2026.

The Government announced a consultation on improvements to the policy and legal framework for public rights of way in 2012. It attracted more than 300 responses. This conference offers you an early opportunity to examine the Government's response to the consultation. Learn about the changes to legislation that will come into force with the Deregulation Bill that is currently going through Parliament. Find out how the changes will help local authorities to record all unrecorded footpaths and bridleways created before 1949 by the 2026 cut-off date.

The Issues:

This conference will allow participants to examine the implications for their setting of the new arrangements. Key issues to be addressed will include:

• Changes to the legal framework for recording, diverting and extinguishing public rights of way
• The Deregulation Bill: what it contains and how it will help local authorities to meet the 2026 cut-off
• How procedures will become more streamlined, flexible and light touch
• Balancing public and private interests and working with landowners to avoid disagreements
• Understanding responsibilities for meeting the costs of processing public path orders
• Successfully using different forms of electronic communications, including online definitive maps
• Recording newly discovered rights of way and dealing with requests for diversions
• Assessing and understanding the practical implications of the changes to legislation: expert advice from legal professionals

Confirmed Speakers:

• Dave Waterman, Reform Project Manager, Landscape and Outdoor Recreation, DEFRA
• Andy Mackintosh, Senior Specialist, Access and Rights of Way, Natural England
• Representative, IPROW

Objectives and Outcomes:

Delegates in the morning policy session will be briefed on and examine the changes to public rights of way legislation. This conference offers you a unique opportunity to contribute to public policy. DEFRA are keen to talk about the changes and get your feedback on Government policy in this area.

The afternoon policy into practice session will be highly interactive with an emphasis on developing and improving multi-agency working between practitioners in different sectors, and focusing on the practical implications of the proposed arrangements.

Who Should Attend:

Delegates will be drawn from: local authority rights of way teams, Local Access Forums, rights of way user representative bodies, local planning authorities, parish councils, local research groups, National Park authorities, local highways authorities, motoring organisations, conservation bodies, community groups, campaigning organisations, voluntary organisations, housing associations, consultants, the legal profession, and elected members.

Morning refreshments will be served upon arrival with a networking lunch to follow. Any special needs or dietary requirements should be notified upon booking.

Download Booking Form
Find out more or Register Online here