Mytton Review

Mytton Review
Title	Mytton Review
Author	Unspecified independent review panel
Date	2016
Jurisdiction	United Kingdom
Subject	Rural public access, rights of way, countryside stewardship

Mytton Review The Mytton Review was an independent review of rural access and rights of way in the United Kingdom commissioned to assess public access to the countryside and recommend reforms to improve walking, riding, and carriage driving on paths and bridleways. It aimed to inform policy debates involving stakeholders such as landowners, statutory agencies, and recreational organizations, and to influence delivery by bodies responsible for designation and maintenance of routes.

Background and purpose

The review was initiated against a backdrop of debates involving Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Natural England, National Trust (United Kingdom), and organisations like Ramblers (charity), British Horse Society, Country Land and Business Association, and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. It sought to reconcile competing interests represented by figures from House of Commons of the United Kingdom, local authorities including Shropshire Council, and landowning institutions such as Crown Estate and private estates. The remit intersected with legislation and instruments including Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, historical precedents like Enclosure Acts, and policy frameworks shaped under administrations led by Theresa May and predecessors. The purpose emphasized clarity for users of paths associated with walking and equestrian activities, and targeted improvements to access delivery across regions including Shropshire, Cumbria, and Dorset.

Methodology and scope

The review employed qualitative and quantitative techniques, consulting stakeholder groups such as Ramblers (charity), British Horse Society, Open Spaces Society, manufacturers and operators linked to Cycling UK, and statutory bodies including Natural England and local highway authorities like Norfolk County Council. It examined records from mapping agencies like Ordnance Survey and legal instruments such as Highways Act 1980, while reviewing casework from public inquiries led by bodies including Planning Inspectorate (England) and survey evidence from recreational users visiting areas like Lake District National Park and Peak District National Park. Evidence gathering included site visits, submissions from organisations including National Farmers' Union (England) and Country Land and Business Association, and comparisons with access regimes in jurisdictions such as Scotland and Wales.

Key findings and recommendations

The review concluded that recording and clarity of rights of way were inconsistent, recommending improvements in mapping and maintenance responsibilities involving agencies like Ordnance Survey, local highway authorities, and landowner bodies such as Crown Estate. It urged better signage drawing on standards used by National Trails managers and promoted digital solutions referencing datasets maintained by Natural England and local authorities including Shropshire Council. Recommendations included clearer processes for dealing with obstructions informed by case law from tribunals like High Court of Justice and guidance comparable to practices from organisations such as Ramblers (charity), British Horse Society, and Open Spaces Society. The review suggested pilot projects co-developed with stakeholders such as National Trust (United Kingdom), local charities, and community groups active in places like Northumberland National Park.

Impact and implementation

Following the report, several local authorities including Derbyshire County Council and agencies such as Natural England considered the recommendations for incorporation into maintenance regimes, mapping improvements using Ordnance Survey datasets, and digital access tools. Voluntary organisations including Ramblers (charity), British Horse Society, and Open Spaces Society engaged with pilots to trial signage and community reporting mechanisms in locations like Yorkshire Dales National Park and New Forest National Park. Some national bodies debated legislative options referencing statutes like Highways Act 1980 and guidance from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, while landowner groups such as Country Land and Business Association and National Farmers' Union (England) negotiated implementation details at county level.

Reception and criticism

The review received praise from recreational organisations including Ramblers (charity), British Horse Society, and supporters within local authorities such as Shropshire Council for focusing on practical improvements to access and mapping. Critics including representatives of Country Land and Business Association and some private estate holders argued that recommendations underestimated land management burdens and legal liabilities, referencing conflicts resolved in forums like High Court of Justice and appeals to bodies including Planning Inspectorate (England). Commentators in regional media covering Shropshire and national commentators associated with publications noting rural affairs raised concerns about resource implications for local authorities such as Derbyshire County Council and the feasibility of digital mapping rollouts using Ordnance Survey products.

Legacy and subsequent developments

The review influenced ongoing discussions among entities such as Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Natural England about rights of way policy, catalysing pilot schemes involving National Trust (United Kingdom), local highway authorities, and voluntary groups like Ramblers (charity). It contributed to renewed emphasis on accurate mapping with Ordnance Survey and encouraged collaborative frameworks between landowners represented by Country Land and Business Association and access advocates including British Horse Society and Open Spaces Society. Subsequent policy work and local initiatives in areas such as Cumbria, Dorset, and Northumberland reflected parts of the review’s agenda, shaping how statutory agencies and organisations approached recording and managing public routes.

Category:Public access reports