Who is responsible for Mapping this Land?
The Countryside Agency, as the Relevant Authority in England, was charged under the legislation with the task of mapping all of this land. As part of this process the Country was divided into 8 Areas. Shropshire is included within Area 7(The West).
The first phase involved the drawing up of Draft Maps. Following a period of general consultation Provisional Maps were produced. Landowners were then entitled to appeal against the inclusion of their land on the map, BUT ONLY on the grounds that it did not meet the criteria laid down i.e. it did not constitute Open Country nor was it Registered Common Land.
Approximately 350 appeals were lodged with The Planning Inspectorate for the whole of Area 7. 74 of these appeals were within Shropshire. The appeals can be viewed on the Planning Inspectorate website.
- 56 appeals were successful and the land was removed from the Conclusive Map
- 10 appeals were allowed in part, and some of the land was removed from the Conclusive Map .
- 8 appeals were dismissed
The Conclusive Maps have been produced, with paper copies available at the Shirehall.
For more information on the mapping process and access land in general and how it might affect you please contact the Countryside Agency on 0845 100 3298 or visit their website.
What are the County Council's responsibilities?
To provide and improve means of access. In consultation with affected landowners, to provide gates, bridges, new paths etc in order to gain entry to the access land. There are provisions for legal action against landowners where negotiations to secure access fail, but it is hoped that this course of action can be avoided in Shropshire.
To erect and maintain notices, to indicate boundaries of Access Land and excepted land. Notify public of the general restrictions set out in Schedule 2 of the CRoW Act 2000 (the expressly forbidden activities) and provide any other appropriate information about the land. The Government expects Access Authorities to exercise this power in a planned way, to identify resources to do so and take advice from Local Access Forum and develop partnerships with affected Landowners. The provision of signage should be the minimum necessary to make clear the boundaries and availability of access land.
To appoint wardens to ensure compliance with byelaws or general restrictions and to advise or assist the public whilst on access land. However, the government believes that the appointment of wardens will not be necessary for most access land.
To make bye-laws, to preserve order, prevent land damage and to avoid undue interference with the enjoyment of the land by others. These bye-laws may be enforced by any County, District or Parish Council in whose area the access land falls.