What is a public right of way?
Public rights of way are minor public highways that exist for the benefit of the community at large, in much the same way as the public road network does. There are numerous footpaths, lanes and alleyways that form a network of public rights of way within Waltham Forest. Many form part of the public highway and are maintainable at public expense. However, some are not part of the public highway, but are accessible to the public and may be useful and busy routes.
Definitive map
The Council has a duty to maintain a Definitive Map and associated schedule of rights of way within its boundaries. We are currently in the process of updating this to reflect the current situation and recent changes in legislation. There is a legal principle “once a highway, always a highway”. All public rights of way are highways and once a right of way exists it remains unless and until it is lawfully closed or diverted. This can only happen as a result of legal action by a local authority, a magistrate’s court or a government department, or through an act of parliament.
Legislation
The Council has a duty to assert and protect the rights of the public to the use and enjoyment of any highway (including Public Rights of way). This means we are obliged to keep rights of way open and useable.
Under government legislation, the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act, all highway authorities, including outer London boroughs must produce Rights of Way Improvement Plans (ROWIPs).
A draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan was produced in November 2007. The consultation was held in January and February 2008 and the plan was consequently revised to take account of some of the issues raised. This plan was formally approved in September 2008 the document can be downloaded chapter by chapter from the links below.
Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2008
- The vision, foreword and contents sheet (443KB PDF file)
- Chapter 1 - Introduction (448KB PDF file)
- Chapter 2 - The definitive map and statement (910KB PDF file)
- Chapter 3 - The public rights of way network (901KB PDF file)
- Chapter 4 - Assessment and evaluation (610KB PDF file)
- Chapter 5 - Future demands and links to London Borough of Waltham Forest strategic documents (576KB PDF file)
- Chapter 6 - The statement of action (SoA) (759KB PDF file)
- Chapter 7 - Funding (129KB PDF file)
- Chapter 8 - Programming (438KB PDF file)
- Abbreviations and glossary of terms (552KB PDF file)
Procedures to amend existing rights of way
Members of the public can request closure or amendment of an existing route, or propose a new right of way be registered. If you would like to take this course of action, please write to:
Chief Engineer
Public Realm
Environment and Regeneration,
Low Hall, Argall Avenue
London E10
Unlawful closure
If you think you know of a Public Right of Way which has been unlawfully closed or made impassable, please complete the evidence form below and return to the above address.
- Public rights of way evidence form (66KB WORD file)
- Public rights of way evidence form (39KB PDF file)
Contact us
Public Realm
Environment and Regeneration
Low Hall
Argall Avenue
London E10 7AS
Tel 020 8496 3000
Fax 020 8521 3577
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk
