The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel met on Friday 14 August 2026 to discuss several applications concerning public footpaths and definitive map modifications.

Proposed Diversion of Public Footpath Pattingham & Patshull No. 29 (part)

The Panel considered a report regarding the proposed diversion of a section of Public Footpath Pattingham & Patshull No. 29 (part). The landowner had objected to the proposal, but officers advised that the grounds of objection were not directly relevant to the statutory tests for diversion. Following a vote, the Panel approved the officer's recommendations, authorising the Director for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills to make an Order under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 to divert the footpath. If no objections are received or if they are withdrawn, the Order will be confirmed. If objections remain, the Order will be referred to the Secretary of State for determination.

• Decision: Approved. The Director for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills was authorised to make an Order to divert the footpath.

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

The Panel was presented with a report from the Director of Finance and Resources concerning two Definitive Map Modification Orders. The first was to add a Public Footpath between Marston Lane and Public Bridleway No. 8 in Hopton and Marston Parish, following a Panel decision on 9 August 2019. The second was to add a restricted byway in the parish of Gayton, Stafford Borough, following a Panel decision on 17 July 2020. For both orders, the definitive map modification orders had been made and published, and no objections were received.

• Decision: Confirmed. The Panel resolved to confirm both Definitive Map Modification Orders as no objections had been received.

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.

The Panel was informed of a report concerning an application to add a public footpath. The report was for noting only. Officers explained that the claimed route was already recorded on the Definitive Map and Statement as Public Footpath 8 Winshill, having been compiled in 2005. As the route was already formally recorded, the application was considered resolved, and no further determination was necessary.

A Member questioned the necessity of bringing this report to the Panel, given that no decision was required, and highlighted the significant volume of paperwork circulated. The Member sought an explanation for its inclusion on the agenda and suggested exploring more efficient processes for such items. Officers explained that these reports were presented for transparency, allowing Panel members to understand the work being undertaken. They acknowledged the Member's comments and indicated that the approach to presenting similar information reports in the future could be reviewed.

• Decision: Noted. The Panel noted the contents of the report.

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

Consideration of this item was deferred to the next meeting. The Chair reported that new evidence had come to light, and both the Chair and Vice-Chair wished to examine this additional information in greater detail before making a decision. This deferral was agreed to allow Members adequate time to review the evidence and ensure a fully informed decision could be made.

• Decision: Deferred. The item was deferred to the next meeting due to the emergence of new evidence.

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

The Panel considered a report regarding an application to add a public footpath between Caverswall Old Road and Trent Road, Forsbrook. The report detailed user evidence, landowner objections, and evidence from statutory consultees. Officers presented their analysis, concluding that while the statutory test for adding the footpath was not met due to insufficient user evidence covering the full twenty-year period prior to the challenge in 1974, the evidence did satisfy the common law test for inferred dedication. This conclusion was based on the consistent and credible accounts of use by a significant number of users over many years, demonstrating that the landowner would have been aware of the public's use of the route.

The Panel discussed the application, considering the evidence provided. Following the discussion, a vote was held. Four members voted in favour of the officer's recommendation, with one member unable to vote due to not having completed the necessary training.

• Decision: Approved. The Panel decided that the evidence submitted was sufficient to show that a Public Footpath subsists along the route marked A to B on the plan and that an Order should be made to add this to the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way for the Staffordshire Moorlands District. The width of the route was specified as a minimum of one metre.