Question 1

When is a newspaper notice required for a DMMO?

Accepted Answer

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Schedule 15 paragraph 3 requires the surveying authority to publish notice in at least one local newspaper at both the making and confirmation stages of a definitive map modification order. The notice must give a period of at least 42 days from first publication for objections (WCA 1981 Sch 15 para 3(1)(c)). Many authorities use longer windows in practice.

Question 2

What types of modification can be made?

Accepted Answer

Definitive map modification orders can add a footpath or bridleway, upgrade a footpath to a bridleway, delete a right of way, or make other modifications to the definitive map and statement. The notice must specify the type of modification being made.

Question 3

What information do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

You will need the order title, a description of the path or way affected (including direction and terminus points), the parish or locality, the type of modification, where the order and map can be inspected, and where objections should be sent.

Question 4

What is the objection period?

Accepted Answer

The statutory minimum is a 42-day initial objection window from the date of first publication (WCA 1981 Sch 15 para 3(1)(c)). This is distinct from the separate 42-day post-confirmation validity-challenge window (Sch 15 para 12), which runs from a different event — the date the order is confirmed. Many authorities use objection windows longer than 42 days in practice. If objections are received, the order may need to be referred to the Secretary of State for determination.

Question 5

Which newspaper will my notice appear in?

Accepted Answer

We match a suitable local newspaper circulating in the area of the path or right of way based on your postcode. This ensures the notice reaches the affected community.

Question 6

What is the process?

Accepted Answer

Enter the postcode for the area, provide the required details, we generate notice text for your review, you review and approve, confirm the order online, and your notice is placed in the next available edition.

Question 7

I am the applicant — am I in the right place?

Accepted Answer

This service is for surveying authorities placing the statutory newspaper notice under Schedule 15 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If you are an individual making an application under Schedule 14 of that Act, contact your local authority's rights of way team — the authority then places the Sch 15 notice once it makes the order.

Definitive map modification (DMMO) newspaper notices

The legal requirement

Key points

What you receive

Proof PDF

Publication certificate

VAT invoice

Frequently asked questions

Ready to place your DMMO notice?