Public Rights of Way Section 31(6) and Commons Section 15A(1) deposits
Protecting land against future claims
A path used by the public for 20 years or more can become a public right of way. An application can then be made for it to be recorded on the Definitive Map and Statement. To help prevent this, landowners can register a deposit on their land.
Similarly, land used by the public for recreation for more than 20 years can become a town or village green. Landowners can register a deposit to prevent a future claim.
How to make a deposit
Please note: we know that some of these files might not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Therefore if you need a file in an accessible format, please contact us. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use. We will then contact you about the next step.
- Telephone: 0345 6080 193
- Email: Rights of Way
To make a deposit, landowners should:
- Refer to the Defra guidance - GOV.UK
- deposit a map and statement using the template application form [77.1 KB] [docx]. The map should include all recognised public rights of way or town or village greens on the land.
- Submit an application form. This should be renewed every 20 years, confirming that no new rights of way have been dedicated.
- Install other measures, such as signs, to challenge any unauthorised public access on their land.
The charge to register a deposit is £465.
Applications may be submitted by email or posted to:
East Sussex County Council
Rights of Way, West D
County Hall
St Anne’s Crescent
Lewes
BN7 1UE
For more information, please contact us:
- Telephone: 0345 608 0193
- Email: Definitive Map Team
Please note: Responsibility for the validity of the deposit rests with the depositor. We are under no obligation to carry out exhaustive checks.
