Chalvington with Ripe Parish Council (CWRPC) voted to make an application for a Definitive Map Modification Order for a claimed public right of way on foot in November 2025. There is a formal process to follow which involves making this application called a Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) application. The claimed public right of way crosses a field to the south of the Old Rectory in Ripe, sometimes known as ‘Wet Pits’, ‘Claypitts Field’, and ‘Pittsfield’. The route of the claimed right of way is shown for identification coloured green on the map above. The claimed route in question is between existing public footpath Chalvington with Ripe 23/1 and Chalvington with Ripe 22/1. 

CWRPC needs to complete an application and provide evidence that members of the public have used the path for over 20 years, ‘without secrecy’ (i.e. not hiding use from landowner), ‘without force’ (i.e. the path was open, and useable without needing to force open an obstruction), and ‘without permission’ (i.e. the landowner passively allows walkers to use the path without indication one way or another that use is permitted). Evidence is demonstrated by users completing an individual Evidence Statement Form.

If you have walked the path over the years, please would each person complete a Public Right of Way Evidence Statement:

Your evidence of use is still important even if the period is not for over 20 years. It will all support the claim of public use. If there is more than one person in your household, please would you all complete a separate statement if you have used the footpath. The completed statements will be used to support the application by the Parish Council for the footpath to be added to the Definitive Map so it is officially recognised as a public footpath.

If you have walked the path over the years, please would each person complete a Statement and attach a map with your mark of your route:

• Please download the form, Evidence Statement complete it, sign and date it, then return it to Councillor Joe Ruddock-West at 1 Yew Tree Cottage, Ripe.
• Please download the Claimed Route Blank Map and mark your route, sign and date it then attach it to your statement.

You may collect a paper copy on request, arrangements can be made via the Clerk.

Once an application with supporting evidence is submitted, an initial assessment will then be carried out by Rights Of Way(ROW) East Sussex County Council to check all the paperwork has been completed correctly, before it is added to the register of applications, pending a full investigation and determination.

The current map register can be found here:https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisure-tourism/discover-east-sussex/rights-of-way/east-sussex/online-rights-of-way-map

Please note that although the online map should be accurate it doesn’t have legal status. The paper version on ESCC's Definitive Map does hold legal status and is available for public viewing at County Hall, Lewes – more information can be obtained here:https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisure-tourism/discover-east-sussex/rights-of-way/definitive-map-statement/about-definitive-map-statement

More information, including guidance notes and the application forms, can be found on the website page called Claiming or changing a public right of way: Changing the Definitive Map | East Sussex County Council

As CWRPC believes this route is not currently shown on the map and feel that a public right of way exists here which is not recorded, a claim for it by way of a DMMO application to have it recorded needs to be submitted. This was discussed and approved by the Parish Council in November 2025.

All the latest application forms, documents, blank user evidence forms and guidance, found here: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisure-tourism/discover-east-sussex/rights-of-way/definitive-map-statement/claiming-changing-public-right-of-way