Many landowners often face challenges with Public Access and Rights of Ways in the countryside. We advise on managing existing access routes, preparing and submitting Highways and Landowners Statements and Declarations and represent clients for Modification Orders, new routes and Village Green Claims.

More now so than ever, the use of public rights of ways in the countryside is increasing across the UK. With an estimated 140,000 miles of public footpaths in England and Wales, this can, on occasions, adversely affect landowners and farm tenants. With the different legislation and regulations governing the use of public rights of ways and highways, this can also sometimes lead to confusion for all parties involved.

If you are experiencing any issues with public access across your property, Batcheller Monkhouse can advise on the appropriate management solutions for you. To better safeguard against the creation of a new public right of way, we can also assist with the preparation of Highways and/or Landowners Statements and subsequent Declarations.

Public access and Right of Way sign in the countryside.

Public access and Right of Way sign in the countryside.

Whilst there are a number of methods to prevent the creation of new public right of ways, this can sometimes be challenged. We can act on behalf of clients to defend claims for new public access routes and Village Greens. In the case of a creating, diverting or extinguishing a public right of way, we can assist our clients in preparing a modification order.

Please feel free to contact our Rural Professional team on the right-hand side to discuss how we can help you.

Offices in BattleHaywards HeathPulborough and Tunbridge Wells.