The Definitive Map and Statement

What is the Definitive Map and Statement?

The Definitive Map is the legal pictorial record of public rights of way within the City of Southampton. The Statement is the text that accompanies the Definitive Map and describes each route. The map and statement are generally referred to as though they are one document.

The relevant date of Southampton's Definitive Map and Statement is 9 December 1999. Its official title is 'Rights of Way in Southampton: Sealed Definitive Map'.

What does it show?

The Definitive Map shows four types of public right of way - footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic.

The Definitive Map and Statement are conclusive proof in law of the existence and status of a right of way at that relevant date. However, there may be public rights of way that are not shown on the Definitive Map.

It does not show private rights, such as those rights of individuals to access their properties using specified routes.

Can the Definitive Map and Statement be changed?

Southampton City Council has a duty to continuously review the Definitive Map and Statement to ensure it is an accurate record of public rights of way within the city.

It is possible to amend the Definitive Map and Statement, but this can only be done by a legal order process, known as a Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO). This process allows the public to submit objections to the making of an order. If such objections cannot be withdrawn by negotiation, the order must be passed to the Secretary of State to be determined, usually by way of a public inquiry.

We have produced guidance notes to help you through the process of making an application to change the Definitive Map and Statement. These are available on the right-hand side of this page, or by contacting us.

Section 53b of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 requires us to keep a register of applications made to change the Definitive Map. The register can be viewed by following the link on the right-hand side of this page. If you have any queries, please contact us.

Where can the Definitive Map be viewed?

The Definitive Map and Statement is kept by the Chief Executive and is housed in a fireproof cabinet within Southampton Archive Services.

True copies of the Map are available for public inspection during normal office opening hours at the following locations:

• Gateway: One Stop Shop, Civic Centre

• Southampton City Archives, Civic Centre

• Central Reference Library, Civic Centre

• Bitterne Library

• Lordshill Library

• Portswood Library

The paths recorded on Southampton's Definitive Map, and other routes that we have identified as potential public rights of way, can also be viewed on Southampton's online Interactive Public Rights of Way Map. Please click on the link on the right hand side of this page.