National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949

32 Preparation, publication and effect of definitive maps and statements

(1) As soon as may be after the determination of all applications made under the last foregoing section as respects any map and statement, or if no such applications have been duly made then as soon as may be after the time for making such applications has expired, the surveying authority shall prepare a definitive map and statement, and shall cause notice of the preparation thereof, and of places where copies thereof may be inspected at all reasonable hours, to be published in the London Gazette and in one or more local newspapers circulating in the area of the authority.

(2) The particulars to be contained in a definitive map and statement shall be those contained in the provisional map and statement, subject to such modifications thereof (if any) as may be requisite for giving effect to any declaration made under the last foregoing section ; and every definitive statement shall include a note of the relevant date specified in the corresponding provisional statement.

(3) The authority by whom a definitive map and statement are prepared shall furnish to the Minister such number of copies thereof as he may require.

(4) A definitive map and statement prepared under subsection (1) of this section shall be conclusive as to the particulars contained therein in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this section to the following extent, that is to say—

(a) where the map shows a footpath, the map shall be conclusive evidence that there, was at the relevant date specified in the statement a footpath as shown on the map;

(b) where the map shows a bridleway, or a road used as a public path, the map shall be conclusive evidence that there was at the said date a highway as shown on the map, and that the public had thereover at that date a right of way on foot and a right of way on horseback or leading a horse, so however that this paragraph shall be without prejudice to any question whether the public had at that date any right of way other than the rights aforesaid; and

(c) where by virtue of the foregoing paragraphs of this subsection the map is conclusive evidence, as at any date, as to a public path, or road used as a public path, shown thereon, any particulars contained in the statement as to the position or width thereof shall be conclusive evidence as to the position or width thereof at the relevant date, and any particulars so contained as to limitations or conditions affecting the public right of way shall be conclusive evidence that at the said date the said right was subject to those limitations or conditions, but without prejudice to any question whether the right was subject to any other limitations or conditions at that date.

(5) A document purporting to be certified on behalf of the surveying authority to be a copy of a definitive map or statement or of any part thereof shall be receivable in evidence and shall be deemed, unless the contrary is shown, to be such a copy.

(6) The provisions in that behalf of Part III of the First Schedule to this Act shall have effect as to the validity of definitive maps and statements prepared under subsection (1) of this section.