How definitive maps have helped saved paths in outer London
Richmond
A well-used public path in Richmond from Anne Boleyn’s Walk to Latchmere Close, which takes the walker to Ham Common, was blocked to users by a locked gate. The homeowners claimed that the local prison authority, which owns a road the path runs though, used to close the gate and thus the path isn't a public right of way. A local resident began a campaign about this, with assistance from the Ramblers, resulting in both Kingston and Richmond councils making definitive map modification orders (DMMOs) to have the path added as a public right of way. An inquiry is due to follow, but this makes the case that without a definitive map an application couldn't be made to claim the path as a public right of way.
The location can be seen here.
Ealing
In 2007 a well-used path, leading from Church Road to Campbell Road, was blocked by developers, as owners of that part between Church Road and the extent of the garages situated to the south east of Manor House School. People had used it as a short cut to and from Hanwell Station and for a period after 1981 she it was considered a thoroughfare with
people coming through especially when trains were due. A member of the applied for it to be added to the definitive map and an inquiry was held, which successfully confirmed the order that the path was a public right of way. Members of the public will now be able to use the path.
The location can be seen here.
If you have any other examples please email: ECampaigning@ramblers.org.uk.
Return to the Put London on the Map main campaign page here
