The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel is scheduled to consider two applications for the creation of new public footpaths. The panel will review evidence submitted by applicants and landowners, as well as information gathered by the council, to determine whether these routes should be added to the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way.

Application for an Alleged Public Footpath at Fairoak, Eccleshall

The panel is set to consider an application for an alleged public footpath at Fairoak, Eccleshall, under the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The report pack indicates that the application seeks to modify the Definitive Map and Statement for the Stafford Borough.

The report details extensive evidence submitted by the applicant, Mr R Foulkes on behalf of the Ramblers Association, including witness statements gathered over several decades. It also outlines evidence obtained by Staffordshire County Council, such as Ordnance Survey maps, and submissions from thirteen landowners whose properties are affected by the claimed route. The analysis of this evidence highlights inconsistencies and a lack of detail in some of the user evidence forms, particularly concerning the precise route and the period of use. The report also discusses the legal tests under Section 31 of the Highways Act 1980, which requires consideration of public use as of right and without interruption for a 20-year period, and the landowner's intention to dedicate the route. The officer's recommendation is to reject the application, concluding that the evidence is insufficient to support a reasonable allegation that the route carries public footpath status.

Application for the Addition of a Public Footpath between Public Footpath 50 Rushton Spencer and Dial Lane Link (D1073) (Rushton Parish)

The panel will also consider an application for the addition of a public footpath between Public Footpath 50 Rushton Spencer and Dial Lane Link (D1073) in Rushton Parish. The report indicates that this application, submitted by Mr A Soper on behalf of the Congleton Group Ramblers Association, seeks to modify the Definitive Map and Statement for the Staffordshire Moorlands District.

The report pack details a significant amount of documentary evidence provided by the applicant, including historical newspaper articles, maps, and correspondence relating to negotiations and agreements concerning public access to The Cloud area. It also includes user evidence forms from ten individuals who claim to have used the route over varying periods, some dating back to the 1930s. Evidence discovered by Staffordshire County Council includes Ordnance Survey maps and minutes from Congleton Borough Council meetings. Landowner evidence forms and responses from statutory consultees, including Rushton Parish Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, are also part of the report. The analysis of the documentary evidence suggests it is insufficient on its own to establish a public right of way. However, the user evidence, particularly from eight individuals who reportedly used the route as of right between 1935 and 1960, is considered to satisfy the reasonable allegation test under common law. The officer's recommendation is to accept the application and make an Order to add the alleged route to the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way.

The meeting documents can be accessed online at Public reports pack 08th-May-2026 10.00 Countryside and Rights of Way Panel.