The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel of Staffordshire Council met on Friday 14 August 2026, confirming two definitive map modification orders and deferring a decision on another. The panel also discussed a proposal to divert a public footpath and noted an application for the addition of another.

Diversion of Public Footpath, Pattingham and Patchell No. 29

The panel considered a proposal to divert a short section of Public Footpath No. 29 in Pattingham and Patchell. The current route runs through the garden of the applicant's property, and the proposal aims to formalise this by diverting it to an alternative route, A to B to C, as shown on the attached plan. This is in line with government advice to move paths out of residential curtilages.

An objection was received from the owner of Patchville Hall, who stated the diversion would be detrimental to him. However, officers noted that the diversion does not run through his land and he would, in fact, lose a section of path from his property. The report stated that the objector's points were not directly relevant to the diversion itself. The panel recommended that the order be made, allowing the objector to maintain his objections through the statutory process. The panel voted in favour of the recommendation.

Confirmation of Definitive Map Modification Orders under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Dave presented a report seeking authorisation to confirm two definitive map modification orders made under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The first order relates to adding a public footpath between Marston Lane and public right-of-way No. 8 in Hopton and Marston Parish. The panel had previously resolved to make this order, and it was published on 13 May 2026. No objections were received.

The second order concerns the addition of a restricted byway in the parish of Gayton, Stafford Borough. This order was also previously resolved to be made, published on 20 May 2026, and received no objections.

Officers sought authorisation to confirm both orders, and the panel unanimously voted in favour of the proposal.

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 - Application for the Addition of a Public Footpath from Vicarage Close, Winshill, Burton upon Trent to the Wheatley Lane Recreation Ground, Wheatley Lane, Winshill, Burton upon Trent

Stephanie presented a report regarding an application made under Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 for the addition of a public footpath. The application, submitted by Mr Gordon Payne in February 1996, sought to add an alleged public footpath between Vicarage Close, Winshill, Burton upon Trent, and Wheatley Lane Recreation Ground.

During the investigation, Staffordshire County Council established that the claimed route had already been recorded as part of Public Footpath No. 8, Winshill Parish, following the publication of the definitive map and statement for Burton-upon-Trent in 2005. Consequently, the application was considered resolved, and no further determination was required.

The panel was invited to note the contents of the report. A new member, Councillor Nicholas Thompson, who was unable to vote on these matters, raised a question about the necessity of bringing such items to the panel when no decision was required, suggesting a more alacrious way of handling them. Stephanie explained that these matters are often brought for transparency and to show the panel the work being done. The Chair suggested that this could be reviewed for future agendas. Councillor Bob Egginton reiterated the importance of due diligence in legal processes and the need for careful consideration of all paperwork.

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 - Application to upgrade all Public Footpath 17 Dilhorne and part of Public Footpath 8 Dilhorne to a Byway Open to All Traffic

The Chair noted that further evidence had not been shared in relation to this item. Councillor Jeremy Pert proposed, and the panel agreed, to defer consideration of the matter to the next meeting to allow members adequate time to review the evidence and ensure a fully informed decision could be made.

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 - Application to Add a Public Footpath Commencing at Caverswall Old Road and Terminating at Trent Road, Forsbrook

Stephanie presented a report on an application to add a public footpath commencing at Caverswall Old Road and terminating at Trent Road, Forsbrook. The application was supported by 59 user evidence statements and documentary evidence.

Officers concluded that while the statutory test for a 20-year continuous use was not met, the user evidence was sufficient to satisfy the common law test for inferred dedication. This was based on long-standing public use without force, secrecy, or permission, and a lack of effective challenge before 1974.

The report reviewed objections made by a company claiming possessory title, but officers found the evidence insufficient to challenge the recommendation. The officer's opinion was that the route between Caverswall Old Road and Trent Road, shown as points A to B on the plan at Appendix B, subsists and should be added to the definitive map and statement as a public footpath with a minimum width of one metre.

The panel had no questions and unanimously voted in favour of the officer's recommendation.

The Chair thanked the panel for their hard work in addressing the backlog of cases.