Protecting against future claims
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
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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 [76.9 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 £416.
Applications may be submitted by email or posted to:
East Sussex County Council
Rights of Way, West B
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.
Register of Deposits made by landowners
Please use the link below to open the rights of way map, then choose the Landowner Deposits section.
The Register has recently been upgraded. If you have any questions or comments please contact the Definitive Map Team.
