The Rights of Way Committee of Northumberland Council was scheduled to consider several applications for the modification of the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way. These applications primarily concerned the alleged existence or upgrading of vehicular rights over various routes across the county.

Review of the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way: Alleged Public Footpath No. 27, Parish of Craster

The committee was scheduled to consider evidence regarding the alleged existence of public footpath rights over a route between the Embleton–Craster parish boundary and Bridleway No. 17, south of Dunstan Steads. The report pack indicated that the application was supported by user evidence from 19 local people, 12 of whom claimed to have used the route on foot for over 20 years. Landowner evidence objected to the proposal, citing concerns about public safety, the unsuitability of the farm track for public use, and the reservation of rights for agricultural purposes. The landowner also highlighted the installation of a locked gate in May 2025 as an attempt to deter public access. The report pack recommended agreeing that public footpath rights had been reasonably alleged to exist over the route, based on user evidence and the absence of effective rebuttal prior to 2025.

Review of the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way: Alleged Public Footpath 59, Parish of Kirknewton

This agenda item was scheduled to address the alleged existence of public vehicular rights over a route between Restricted Byway No. 58 and the B6351 road, near East Kirknewton. The report pack indicated that the proposal was supported by user evidence from nine local people, six of whom claimed over 20 years of use on foot. However, landowner objections were significant, citing concerns about increased noise and litter, muddy conditions, parking issues, and a breach of privacy. Landowners also presented evidence of a PRIVATE ROAD sign and stated that access had been granted on a permission basis rather than as a right of way. The report pack recommended agreeing that there was insufficient evidence to indicate that public footpath rights had been reasonably alleged to exist over the route.

Review of the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way: Alleged Byway Open to All Traffic No. 51, Parish of Elsdon

The committee was scheduled to consider evidence regarding the existence of public vehicular rights over the U4074 road, from the C187 road, south-west of West Todholes, to a point south of West Todholes. The report pack indicated that historical documentary evidence, including inclosure awards and county road schedules, suggested public vehicular rights existed over the western section (Q-R). For the eastern section (R-S), which was already recorded as a public bridleway, the report pack suggested that motor vehicular rights may have been extinguished by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006¹. The recommendation was to include the Q-R route as a byway open to all traffic and upgrade the R-S route to restricted byway status.

Review of the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way: Alleged Byways Open to All Traffic Nos. 31 & 51, Parishes of Thropton and Rothbury

This item was scheduled to address the existence of public vehicular rights over part of the U4047 road, from the C178 road, north-west of Black Chirnells, to the B6341 road, north-west of Humbleton Cottage. The report pack indicated that historical documentary evidence, including inclosure awards and county road schedules, suggested public vehicular rights existed over the S-X-Y section. For the Y-T section, which is an existing public bridleway, the report pack suggested that motor vehicular rights may have been extinguished by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. The recommendation was to include the S-X-Y route as a byway open to all traffic and upgrade the Y-T route to restricted byway status.

Review of the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way: Alleged Byway Open to All Traffic No. 23, Parish of Whittingham

The committee was scheduled to consider evidence regarding the existence of public vehicular rights over the U4002 road, from the C90 road (Garmintedge Bank), north-west of Thrunton Lowfield Farm, to the A697 road, east of Thrunton Farm. The report pack indicated that documentary evidence, including its inclusion on the Council's List of Streets, suggested public vehicular rights existed over the P-N route. The recommendation was to include this route as a byway open to all traffic.