Public Rights of Way

 Romticle Viaduct & the Trans Pennine Trail from Thurgoland

Summary
There are approximately 750 kms of Public Rights of Way (PROW) in the Borough, comprising public footpaths, bridleways and byways. The Local Authority Countryside Section is responsible for the maintenance and legal requirements associated with Public Rights of Way; ensuring they are open for the public to use at all times. The Section also supply advice to Landowners, Developers, User Groups and Parish and Town Councils, as well as enhancement and promotional work to meet the current and future needs of network users.

A Definitive Map (a legal record of all PROW in the Borough) is also available to be viewed.

Eligibility
Public Rights of Way and advice from the Service are available to everyone. There are three main types of Public Rights of Way; some have limitations of use depending on the status of the Right of Way.

The intended use of each is:

Footpaths - pedestrians only

Bridleways - pedestrians, pedal cyclists and horse riders

Byways - open to all traffic including walking, pedal cycling, horse riding and motor vehicles

The status of each Public Right of Way can be identified on the Definitive Map.

Procedure
For advice contact the Countryside Section by e-mail, telephone, or letter.

A copy of the Definitive Map showing all recorded Rights of Way in Barnsley can be viewed at the Civic Centre, Kendray Street, Barnsley.

To use the borough network of Public Rights of Way, identify the section you are interested in, either on an Ordnance Survey map, the Definitive Map or by the use of local knowledge, check its status then go to partake in your chosen pursuit.

Remember to take sandwiches and waterproof jacket!

Helplines
Address: Countryside Team, Planning & Transportation, Barnsley MBC, PO Box 604, Barnsley, S70 9FE

Phone: (01226) 772569

Email: publicrightsofway@barnsley.gov.uk

Opening Times/Locations
Public Rights of Way remain constantly open for use and are very rarely closed.

A copy of the Definitive Map showing all recorder Rights of Way in Barnsley can be viewed at the Civic Centre, Eldon Street, Barnsley.

How the Customer Can Help
Always remember to abide by the Countryside Code; in brief:-

Countryside Code - advice for the public
Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs
Leave gates and property as you find them
Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home
Keep dogs under close control
Consider other people
Countryside Code - advice for land managers
Know your rights, responsibilities and liabilities
Where can people go on your land?
What rules apply to people while they are on your land?
What are your rights and responsibilities towards people on your land?  
Application Form References
Not applicable

Leaflets
There are usually various leaflets available promoting local walks. Currently available are Walk the Barnsley Boundary and/or Dearne Way. 

Distribution Points
Leaflets highlighting Public Rights of Way are usually available from:-

Countryside Section
Planning and Transportation
Tel: (01226) 772569

E-mail: publicrightsofway@barnsley.gov.uk

Tourist Information Centre, The Cooper Gallery, Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AH

Tel: (01226) 206757

E-mail: barnsley@ytbtic.co.uk

Legislation
There is lots of legislation encompassing Public Rights of Way. The main points of reference are:-

Highways Act 1980
Widlife and Countryside Act 1981
Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Countryside and Public Rights of Way Act 2000
Out of Hours Procedure
Access via E-mail: publicrightsofway@barnsley.gov.uk  

Owner Officer Contact Details
Sarah Ford (01226) 772696

sarahford@barnsley.gov.uk

 

Rights of Way Improvement Plan

Barnsley Council has published its Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) in accordance with the requirements under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.  This is a ten year strategy for developing, improving and protecting public rights of way and open space in Barnsley.

CONTENTS

 

Executive Summary

 

PART 1 – SETTING THE SCENE                                                                                 Page

Chapter 1.      Introduction to Rights of Way and ROWIP                                                  1

Chapter 2.      Strategic Context and Corporate Strategy                                                 7

 

PART 2 –  RESEARCH RESULTS

Chapter 3.      Needs of Users                                                                                            18

Chapter 4.      Where are we now? – public access provision                                        29

Chapter 5.      Use and Demand                                                                                         44

 

PART 3 – REVISED ASSESSMENT

Chapter 6.      Strategic Objectives                                                                                    68

Chapter 7.      Public Consultation responses on the Draft ROWIP                                73

Chapter 8       Major influences in 2007                                                                             76

 

PART 4 – DELIVERY OF THE ROWIP

Chapter 9       Revised Action Plan and Delivery Options                                               79

Chapter 10.    Performance Management Targets and Reviewing the ROWIP            90

 

Appendices
A.  References & Further Information                                                                                93

B.  Glossary of Terms                                                                                                         94

C. Consultee List                                                                                                                 95

D. The four Strategic Objectives and risks of inaction                                                    96

E. Nine Original Action Plans from the Draft ROWIP                                                      99

The document is in four parts or can be downloaded as a single file.

Part one gives a brief background to rights of way, why they are important and where the ROWIP sits in relation to other strategies both within the Council and from external bodies.  (PART 1)

Part two outlines the original research results carried out in 2005.  This includes the needs of different user groups, what public access provision and rights of way already exist, and how those routes are used and perceived. (PART 2)

Part three identifies the revised assessment of the ROWIP following the public consultation on the draft document between June and September this year.  It identifies the four strategic objectives that will guide the implementation of the ROWIP and some priority options for additional resources. (PART 3)

Part four is concerned with the delivery of the ROWIP in the coming years.  It identifies action plans related to practical works, processes and projects and the beginnings of a review process which will be termed the Annual Performance Management Plan. (PART 4)

The appendices identify the references, glossary, consultee list, more detail on the strategic objectives and the original nine action plans from the Draft ROWIP. (Appendices)

Websites
The Countryside Agency
Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs

Response Times/Next Steps
Response times vary depending on the nature and format of enquiry.

Last modified on 21/1/2009