Can a landowner close or divert a path?
No. Closure and diversion – that is, a change to a path’s route – can only be carried out by local authorities or central government. Path closures. Under the most common procedure a highway authority can make an order to close a path if it considers the path is no longer needed for public use. A notice must be published in a local paper and also placed at both ends of the path. At least 28 days must be allowed for objections. These must be heard at a public inquiry taken by an inspector from the Planning Inspectorate, or by private hearing, or they may be considered in writing if the objectors agree. Path diversions. These may not take place if the new route will be less convenient to the public than the existing one, and account must also be taken of the effect the diversion will have on public enjoyment of the path as a whole. The procedure is the same as for closure orders. Paths may also be closed or diverted “in order to enable development to be carried out in accordance with pla
