Footpath changes

I hope you are able to help me as to the date and reasons why a particular length of footpath was placed on the Ordnance Survey map and the date etc of any subsequent diversions, stoppings up etc.

It would be helpful to know the basis for (1) the highlighted lengths of footpath shown on Map 2 [ommitted] and (2) any later diversion and or stopping up etc.  If I could see copies of any relevant correspondence, maps, orders etc explaining the date of change(s) and reasons for any changes this would be much appreciated.

Thank you for your letter dated 4^th April 2011. Ordnance Survey does not hold the information you have requested, but we are pleased to provide you with the following advice and assistance:

Rights of Way (RoW) are the responsibility of each Local Council. They maintain a definitive map on which all rights of way are recorded in their area. Ordnance Survey will show a RoW or changes to a RoW by order of the local council on our mapping. A disclaimer on our maps reads: 'the representation on this map of any other road, track or path is no evidence of the existence of a right of way'

Other tracks and paths are shown on our mapping, but again we add the following disclaimer: 'the exact nature of the rights on these routes and the existence of any restrictions may be checked with the local highway authority. Alignments are based on the best possible information available'

The documents which detail amendments to Definitive Maps are Rights of Way Orders. On receipt, Ordnance Survey processes the Rights of Way Orders so our mapping reflects exactly what is on the Local Authorities Definitive Map.

Paper RoW Orders sent to Ordnance Survey by local authorities prior to June 2007 are now held by The National Archives (TNA), and are available for public viewing. If TNA hold Rights of Way orders for the footpath in question, you may be able to determine the basis for the footpath being placed on our mapping, amendments to the footpath and the request dates from the local authority. 

You may contact The National Archives (TNA) as follows:

The National Archives
Kew
Richmond
Surrey
TW9 4DU
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Tel: 0208 876 3444

If you would like to view historic mapping to ‘track’ the changes of a footpath over time, then you would need to follow the process detailed to you in our response to your previous FOI request -FOI11142 dated 17^th March 2011, as Ordnance Survey no longer has a Historic Map Archive.

Your enquiry has been processed to Freedom of Information guidelines.  As all requested information has been provided, we have determined that in all the circumstances of this case the Public interest consideration (section 17 FOIA) is not applicable in this instance.

If you are unhappy with our response, you may raise an appeal to our Appeals Officer at:

FOI Appeals Officer
Customer Service Centre
Ordnance Survey
Adanac Drive
SOUTHAMPTON
SO16 0AS

Please include the reference number below. The Appeals Officer will ensure that the process has been followed correctly, questioning any decisions taken regarding the original response and recommending disclosure of additional information if appropriate.

Thank you for your enquiry.

Reference number: FOI11155/April 2011