Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

We recognise that, historically, legislation and policy on public rights of way have tended to focus on the value of such rights as a countryside resource. However, in more recent times, as the population and density of housing has risen, cut-throughs and alleys have provided an increasing respite from busy roads and are often sufficient in number to form part of a recognisable network within many built-up areas. Amendments Nos. 320 and 329 would require the inner London authorities to prepare definitive maps and statements. If I am allowed to speak personally, I have to say that I find my noble friend’s amendment very attractive. So I regret having to say what I must on behalf of the Government. The aim here is extremely commendable, but the application of such a map would result in the imposition of a significant financial and administrative burden on the relevant inner London authorities. That would be a large step to take and we believe it would be rash to do so without further detailed appraisal of legislation to establish exactly what the consequences of applying a definitive map provision might be, since a number of other legislative provisions might apply automatically without amendment by virtue of the imposition of the duty to maintain a definitive map. Further, I believe that it would be genuinely unreasonable to take such a fundamental step—it would be an important step—without at the minimum consulting the relevant authorities and other interests to ensure that the issue was fully scoped and costed. Because of those matters, we do not think that an amendment to this Bill is the appropriate way, although it is extraordinarily tempting to take forward the proposal. However, outside the parameters of the Bill, I give my noble friend an undertaking that in Defra we will give this matter further serious consideration.