Kent County Council Seeks Views on Public Footpath Application Reforms

Kent County Council is asking residents to share their views on proposed changes to how it handles public rights of way applications, with just one week remaining to have your say. The consultation, which runs until 23 March 2026, focuses on a new approach designed to reduce delays and protect important walking and cycling routes across the county.

The council is proposing to prioritise one user-based public right of way (PROW) application for every historic-based application it receives. User-based applications typically relate to routes that people currently use regularly but lack official status, whilst historic-based applications concern routes with historic evidence of public use that have become lost or obstructed over time.

Why the change matters

Under the existing system, applications can face lengthy backlogs, potentially leading to the loss of valuable local routes. By balancing the workload between user-based and historic-based applications, Kent County Council says it aims to ensure that both contemporary community needs and heritage routes receive proper attention without excessive delays.

This proposal forms part of the council’s broader Rights of Way Improvement Plan, which seeks to maintain a high-quality, well-managed public rights of way network across Kent. Such routes support local economies, encourage outdoor activity, and preserve important access to the countryside and green spaces.

How to participate

The consultation invites all Kent residents and stakeholders to comment on the proposed changes. Residents can participate by completing an online questionnaire, with paper copies available for those who request them. The council is particularly keen to hear from users of public footpaths, bridleways, and other rights of way, as well as parish councils and community groups.

To ensure your views are recorded, submissions must be made before 23 March 2026. The council will use feedback from this consultation to shape its approach to managing applications and maintaining the county’s extensive network of public routes.

Key Takeaways

• Kent County Council is proposing to balance user-based and historic-based public rights of way applications to reduce processing delays
• The consultation runs until 23 March 2026, leaving one week for residents to participate
• The changes aim to protect both established walking routes and historic pathways across Kent
• Residents can submit views online or request paper copies of the consultation questionnaire

What This Means for Kent Residents

If approved, this proposal could mean faster access to new footpaths and cycle routes in your area, whilst ensuring that historically important pathways aren’t lost to bureaucratic delays. Whether you’re a regular walker, cyclist, or simply want to protect local green infrastructure, the consultation offers an opportunity to influence how Kent manages its public routes. Make sure your voice is heard before the deadline passes.