Views wanted on proposed changes to the Public Rights of Way Statement of Priorities

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Two young children walking along a woodland footpath surrounded by trees. They are wearing hiking boots and holding large sticks

Kent County Council (KCC) is inviting residents, and other stakeholders, to share their views on proposed changes to its Statement of Priorities, which sets out how the council prioritises Section 53 applications relating to Public Rights of Way (PROW).

The Definitive Map and Statement (DMS) is the legal record of Public Rights of Way (PROW). Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, places a legal duty on KCC as the Surveying Authority to ‘keep the DMS under continuous review’. Under Section 53 anyone can apply to KCC to amend the DMS. KCC has a duty to investigate and determine every application it receives in accordance with its Statement of Priorities.

Over recent years, KCC has seen a substantial rise in applications, particularly those based on historic documentary evidence. This has resulted in a significant increase in the backlog for allocating applications.

To address this, KCC is proposing to prioritise user-based applications (those based on proof that a path has been used for at least 20 years). This means taking them out of submission order so that for every historic based application allocated, one user-based application would be allocated.

Both types of application would continue to be allocated in the order they were received, unless one of the acceleration criteria in the Statement of Priorities applies.

Paul Webb is smiling for his headshot photo in front of the county hall steps

“We want to make sure our approach remains fair, balanced and fit for purpose.”

Paul Webb Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services

Paul Webb, Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, said: “We want to make sure our approach remains fair, balanced and fit for purpose. User‑based applications depend on living memory, and long delays risk losing vital testimony.

"By adjusting how we prioritise cases, we can protect important evidence, support our communities and ensure Kent’s Public Rights of Way are recorded accurately for future generations. We’re encouraging everyone with an interest to share their views and help shape the final policy.”

The consultation runs from 10 February to 23 March 2026. Residents can take part by completing the questionnaire.

For questions, paper copies or alternative formats you can:

All responses will be analysed and considered before a decision is taken by the Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services in May 2026. A consultation report and final decision will be published on the project webpage.