Deposits of Statements, Maps and Declarations by landowners

Landowners can acknowledge the existence of certain public rights of way across their land to prevent new ones being created.

This is under Section 31 (6) of the Highway Act 1980 - Deposit of Statement, Maps and Declaration.

'Presumed dedication' is when new public rights of way are created following use of the route by members of the public, usually for a period of twenty years or more. A deposit/declaration will not prevent the creation of rights of way that may already exist through an earlier twenty years of use or documentary evidence.

Apply

Landowners Village Green Highways Statement Application (PDF) [209KB]

Please see the Gov.uk: landowner statements, highways statements and declarations form on making an application. The application form should be returned by post (a signed paper copy is required). This can also be submitted jointly as a landowner village green statement.

Charges

Deposit type	Cost
Highways deposit of less than 200 hectares	£185
Highways deposit of more than 200 hectares	£185 + £37 an hour
Joint Highways and Village Green deposit	£247

Please contact us for the correct fee for your application.

Contact Access and Rights of Way

Email prow@durham.gov.uk
Telephone 03000 265 342

Contact Common land and village greens

Email commons.registration@durham.gov.uk
Telephone 03000 269 712