Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) To Review The Maps Of Open Country And Registered Common Land

Every ten years, the Countryside Council for Wales is required by law to review the maps of open access to mountain, moor, heath, downland and registered common land in Wales.

The process will start in mid July 2012, when CCW will issue the draft maps of open country and registered common land. Based on these, landowners and anyone with an interest will be able to make representations.

Discussions with landowners and all interest groups will be an essential part of the mapping review. CCW is looking forward to working closely with the farming unions, individual landowners, and a wide range of user groups to ensure that awareness of the review is high, starting now and throughout the process until the conclusive maps are published in September 2014.

Their aim is to ensure that the process is open, transparent and gives all interested parties the opportunity to review access in their area of interest.

The Project is managed by Richard Owen, CCW’s Access Review Project Manager.

The maps produced 10 years ago were comprehensive and done to a very high standard. Thanks to new technology, as well as the quality of the original mapping work, the review will be undertaken efficiently, with minimum cost.

Richard Owen said: “The 10 year review is required by law. Because of the quality of the original mapping work, we don’t envisage that it will result in dramatic changes – but subtle changes are anticipated, for example if there have been changes in land use or if boundaries need modifying.“We will be happy to discuss issues face to face with anyone with an interest. There will also be opportunities to discuss the review at agricultural shows and other events, held soon after the draft maps are published.” he added.
The Review Timetable:
16th July 2012
CCW will issue All Wales draft maps of open access. This is the opening date for representations to be submitted to CCW.
23rd November 2012
Closing date for representation submitted to CCW.
7th August 2013
CCW will issue All Wales provisional maps.
7th November 2013
Deadline for appeals applications to the Planning Inspectorate.
9th May 2014
Appeals process ends.
24th September 2014
CCW will issue All Wales conclusive map.
 

Full details can be obtained by clicking on the external link