TO BE DISCUSSED AT THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 1st December 2025 7pm.

The County Council has received an application to divert part of public footpath Chalvington with Ripe 18. The application is made under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980*.

Public footpath Chalvington with Ripe 18 crosses a field which is part of Deanland Wood Park, the development of which is ongoing. The applicant wishes to separate the footpath from the residential park area which is a dog free complex, and has agreed to meet the Council’s costs in processing and making a Diversion Order.

The proposed diversion route offers a more rural feel with open views to the south. The western end of the path onto Ripe Lane would be closer to bridleway Chalvington with Ripe 14 and have a wider access than the current ditch bridge.

Ditches on the proposed route have been culverted to negate the need for bridges and the path will have a width of 3 metres.

Points C to D on the map show the route that has been used on the ground for many years, and the diversion seeks to reflect this by altering the definitive map. This part of the route, and section B – C, is under different ownership and not part of Deanland Wood Park.

The proposed diversion route is available for inspection and the applicants are happy to discuss the proposal direct, please contact Deanland Park Office on telephone number 01825 872359.

If you wish to comment to the Parish Council please do so by 30/11/25 to: [email protected]

You may also email [email protected] or write to: Rights of Way and Countryside Team, East Sussex County Council, County Hall (B-West), St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, BN7 1UE by 2nd January 2026.

Please note that this is an informal consultation to assist the Rights of Way Team gauge reaction to the diversion application. Any concerns or suggestions raised at this stage may be discussed with the applicant with the aim of resolving them and so avoiding objections at a later stage - i.e. after a legal Order is made. However if you do not submit comments to this informal consultation, you are still entitled to object or comment if East Sussex County Council does proceed with the application and make a Diversion Order.

*The tests laid out within section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 are:

That the termination point of the path or way should be as substantially as convenient to the public as the existing point.

That the path or way will not be substantially less convenient to the public.

That it is expedient to confirm the order having regard to the effect the diversion would have on public enjoyment of the path or way as a whole.