Definitive Map-Stockton on Tees Borough Council updates (FOI241237)

We received your request on 12 April 2024.

We have handled your request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000.

A copy of your request is set out in the extract below:

“Please could you answer the following (and provide disclosure insofar as it exists):

1.  Are there any policies or procedures in place for Local Authorities to update Ordnance Survey with any changes made to the definitive map, and specifically any Local Authority Orders which are made?
2.  Has Stockton on Tees Borough Council (and therefore from an email address ending “@stockton.gov.uk”) contacted you in relation to any changes or updates since 1 April 2013 in the areas of Whitton, Stillington, Thorpe Thewles and Carlton (all in the Stockton on Tees area). If so, please could you provide copies of any such correspondence.

 It is hoped given this request is limited to a single local authority and limited geographical area it will not be considered onerous and excessive and is a simple electronic search. However, if it is considered to be onerous, please limit the search to the following periods:

1.  1 April 2013 to 30 June 2014
2. 1 November 2020 to 30 October 2021.”

I confirm that Ordnance Survey does hold some of the information you have requested. Where the information is not held this is stated.

Taking each request in turn, I confirm the following:

1. Are there any policies or procedures in place for Local Authorities to update Ordnance Survey with any changes made to the definitive map, and specifically any Local Authority Orders which are made?

Please see the following documents:

• Natural England guide to definitive maps (.pdf); and
• DEFRA Rights of Way Circular (.pdf)

Note, in particular, paragraphs 2.8, 4.29, 5.60 and 5.61 of the DEFRA Rights of Way Circular.

2. Has Stockton on Tees Borough Council (and therefore from an email address ending “@stockton.gov.uk”) contacted you in relation to any changes or updates since 1 April 2013 in the areas of Whitton, Stillington, Thorpe Thewles and Carlton (all in the Stockton on Tees area). If so, please could you provide copies of any such correspondence.

Information not held. We do not believe we have had any contact from Stockton on Tees Borough Council in relation to any changes to rights of way within the areas of Whitton, Stillington, Thorpe Thewles, or Carlton since 1 April 2013.