The Licensing and General Purposes Committee of Harrow Council met on Monday 7 October 2024 to discuss and approve the formalisation of public rights of way. The committee resolved to make Definitive Map Modification Orders for 20 urban footpaths and for an alleyway linking De Havilland Road and Lawrence Crescent in Edgware.

Definitive Map Modification Orders for 20 Urban Footpaths

The committee approved the making of Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMOs) for 20 urban footpaths. This process aims to formally record existing footpaths on the Definitive Map as public footpaths. An officer explained that this is a statutory duty for the council and that the DMMO had not been updated for a considerable time. The decision was made to ensure that definitive rights of way could be established. No risks were identified with the proposal, and a notice will be posted at each location to allow for any objections to be made. Ward councillors had already been informed of the proposals affecting their wards. The Acting Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy was authorised to make the orders, confirm them if no objections were received, or submit them to the Secretary of State if objections were made, and to update the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way.

Definitive Map Modification Order: Alleyway linking De Havilland Road and Lawrence Crescent Edgware

The committee also approved the making of a Definitive Map Modification Order for an alleyway linking De Havilland Road and Lawrence Crescent in Edgware. This followed an application from members of the public to add the path to the council's map of public footpaths. Council officers recommended that the application be allowed. One member expressed concern about the potential for an increase in anti-social behaviour, but it was confirmed that residents would have an opportunity to raise objections. The validity of evidence dating back over five years was questioned, but the legal adviser clarified that there were no issues with this. Similar to the urban footpaths, the Acting Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy was authorised to make the order, confirm it if unopposed, or submit it to the Secretary of State if objections were received, and to update the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way.