"Once a highway, always a highway"
In law, a public footpath or bridleway is classed as a minor highway and is covered by extensive highways legislation. Only a legal order can close or divert a Public Path. Public Paths can not be lost by disuse or even by being built over. It is very important to consider the line of a Public Path when carrying out any development because building over a path or otherwise obstructing it can become very expensive, and if not resolved can be a burden on any future property conveyances.
If you have development queries or have bought a property with obstructed Rights of Way, early consultation with the Rights of Way team is recommended to avoid pitfalls.
Where problems do occur on footpaths or bridleways they can almost always be resolved by discussion between occupiers and our Rights of Way officers. Where this is unsuccessful, enforcement procedure can result, resulting in court action.