The Public Rights of Way Committee of Devon Council met on Tuesday 24 March 2026 to discuss various matters concerning public rights of way across the county. Key decisions included the modification of the Definitive Map and Statement to add a public bridleway near Tiverton and upgrade an existing footpath to a bridleway. The committee also received updates on the progress of the Definitive Map Review and the King Charles III England Coast Path.

Definitive Map Review - Parish of Tiverton - Part 2

The committee made two significant decisions regarding the Definitive Map and Statement for the Parish of Tiverton. Firstly, a Modification Order was approved to add a public bridleway between points L and M, identified as Proposal 5. This route connects the parish boundary with Loxbeare to the county road at Lurley. Secondly, an existing footpath, Footpath No. 3 in Tiverton, was upgraded to a bridleway between points H and K, designated as Proposal 6. This route, known as Titchen's Lane, extends into Templeton parish. Both decisions were made following consideration of documentary evidence, user evidence, and consultation responses. Councillor Biederman moved the first resolution, seconded by Councillor Tyldesley, while Councillor Raleigh moved the second, seconded by Councillor Dempster.

Definitive Map and Statement Modification Orders

The committee noted several Definitive Map and Statement Modification Orders that had been made and confirmed under delegated powers. These included:

• Devon County Council (Footpath No. 37, Combe Martin) Definitive Map Modification Order 2025
• Devon County Council (Footpath No. 38, Combe Martin) Definitive Map Modification Order 2025
• Devon County Council (Footpath Nos. 1 and 4, Ashwater) Definitive Map Modification Order 2025

These orders are reported for information only, with associated plans available in the appendix of the report CET/26/28.

Public Path Diversion and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Orders

Similarly, the committee noted Public Path Diversion and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Orders that had been made and confirmed under delegated powers. These included:

• Devon County Council (Footpath No. 5, Farway) Path Diversion and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Order 2025
• Devon County Council (Footpath Nos. 1, 5, 9A and 26, Branscombe) Concurrent Public Path Extinguishment/Creation and Definitive Map Modification Orders 2025

These orders are also reported for information, with plans detailed in the report CET/26/29.

Definitive Map Review - Progress Update

The committee received an update on the progress of the Definitive Map Review, a statutory requirement to keep the legal record of public rights of way up to date. The report CET/26/30 indicated that the parish-by-parish review was nearing completion, with only five parishes remaining to be started. The committee heard that as the review concludes, the focus will shift to addressing the backlog of Schedule 14 applications. Officers confirmed that significant erosion to riverbank and coastal paths had occurred due to severe winter weather, and work was underway to establish alternative routes in collaboration with landowners.

King Charles III England Coast Path - Progress Update

An update was provided on the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIII ECP), a new 2,700-mile National Trail around England's coast. The report CET/26/31 stated that the KCIII ECP had been formally declared open nationwide, with approximately 190 miles included in Devon, largely following the existing South West Coast Path (SWCP). The KCIII ECP provides new public access rights to the coastal margin, the land between the trail and the sea. Recent establishment works, supported by grant funding, have been undertaken. Signage will emphasise a unified Coast Path branding, with destination-based signage used where routes diverge.

Parish Paths Partnership Scheme

The committee received a verbal update on the Parish Paths Partnership (P3) scheme, Devon County Council's primary initiative for supporting local involvement in the maintenance and improvement of public rights of way. Approximately 150 parish and town councils participate in the scheme, with varying levels of involvement from volunteer inspections to full management of maintenance and improvement projects. The scheme is supported by a core grant of approximately £100,000 per year, with additional capital funding available for improvement projects. Challenges in day-to-day communications and grant administration were discussed, and it was agreed that a review of opportunities for greater efficiency within the existing team would be undertaken. Members also requested that officers consider simplifying the payment process for the basic grant and that they be updated on any notable changes. Councillor Paul Hayward declared an interest in this item as an employee of Axminster Town Council, which participates in the scheme.

Devon Countryside Access Forum

The committee received the draft minutes of the Devon Countryside Access Forum meeting held on 19 January 2026. The Chair expressed thanks to the Forum Officer, Hilary Winter, for her coordination of the forum and wished her well in her retirement.