Submitting your definitive map modification order application

If your application is seeking to change a route that is all ready recorded on the definitive map please use the check list below to guide you through making your application.

Important note – In law the definitive map and statement is conclusive proof that a public right of way of the status and description shown on the map and statement exists. In order to have any chance of overturning that presumption your evidence must be new and significant. Before trying to make an application like this it is recommended that you contact us.

Stage 1

Gather your evidence

Take copies of all the documents you believe show that the route shown on the definitive map is incorrect. Gather as many user evidence statements as you can but please bear in mind that evidence that people did not use the route shown on the definitive map is unlikely to be enough to make a change to the map on it own.

Make an application map

This map must:

• indicate the application route as clearly as possible. If your application is trying to change the route of a public right of way please show the existing route as well
• be on a detailed base map
• relate to one application route only
• be at a scale of between 1:1 and 1:25000

Make sure you have copies (paper or electronic) because you will need to provide a copy of this map with every notice you serve on a land owner or occupier. If you are having difficulty getting hold of a suitable map contact us.

Complete an application form

You will need to:

• fill in your name and address in the spaces at the top of the form
• complete either part 3 (to change the status of a route) or part 4 (to change the definitive statement)
• list all your evidence in the space provided
• sign and date the form
• fill in the name of the parish or ward where the application route is located

Send the application form

Now send your completed application form, application map, and copies of all evidence to:

We will then make a preliminary assessment of the evidence after which we will send to you with a notice and a certificate. Once you have received this you can move to stage 2.

Stage 2

Complete a notice for each land owner and occupier affected by the application route

You will need to:

• fill in the land owner or occupier’s name and address in the space provided
• fill in your name and address in the space provided
• complete either part 3 (to change the status of a route) or part 4 (to change the definitive statement)
• sign and date the form
• fasten a copy of the application map to the notice

If you are having trouble tracing a land owner contact us.

Serve the completed notices on the relevant land owners and occupiers

You should make a note of when you do this for each affected land owner or occupier.

Failure to serve notice on all affected land owners and occupiers will render your application invalid.

Complete the certificate

You will need to:

• fill in your name and address in the space provided
• sign and date the form
• list all the people on whom you served notice
• (optional) if you have addresses for the people you served notice on it would be helpful to include that as a separate list along with the date you served notice

Send the certificate

Now send your completed certificate and any list of addresses to:

We will then check you application is correct. If it is then we will write to you confirming acceptance the application and setting out what happens next. If it is not correct we will write to you setting out what you need to do to correct it.

Also see

• Public rights of way notices and registers
• Report a public rights of way problem
• Maintaining York's public rights of way