Apply to install a gate across a public footpath, bridleway or byway
You'll need to make an application to install or alter structures, such as gates on or across a public right of way.
You’ll need to apply to us if:
- a gate is required for stock control on farming land
- a structure is required for public safety
- our definitive map shows a structure as a limitation on the right of way (provided that structure has not been removed for 20 years or more)
What you’ll need
To apply, you’ll need to:
- state the parish, status and number of the path (if known)
- give details on the proposed structure
- provide your name and address, status as owner or person who holds the lease
- complete the Section 147 Form
You’ll need to submit a separate form for each proposed structure.
Types of structure
When considering whether or not a structure may be authorised, we give preference to structures which minimise the ‘obstruction’ of the path.
When ordering a structure, you should state to the supplier that it must conform to the British standard of gaps, gates and stiles BS 5709 2018.
Simple gates:
- are the only authorised structure on a bridleway, where a minimum 1.53 metres must be provided between the 2 gate posts
- on a footpath a width of as little as 1.0 metre may suffice depending on location
- may be timber or steel. Steel gates are generally more robust and require little maintenance, but may not be aesthetically appropriate in some locations
- may be fitted with self-closing mechanisms to ensure that they are not left open, and modern mechanisms give better performance than those that have been available in the past
Attention needs to be given to the design of any catches to ensure that they are easily usable from both sides of the gate, and by all users.
Catches on bridle gates, and any self-closing action must be ‘gentle’ so as not to result in the flanks of horses becoming pinched by a fast-closing gate.
Kissing gates:
- may be allowable on a footpath where it can be shown that a swing gate would not be appropriate
- must generally allow for use by all wheelchair users, although smaller gates may incorporate a ‘RADAR’ key bypass for those with larger wheelchairs.
- may be fitted with self-closing mechanisms to ensure that they always shut to one side, as well as a latch to improve stock-proofing
Attention needs to be given to the design of any catches to ensure that they are easily usable from both sides of the gate, and by all users.
Gates may be timber or steel. Steel gates are generally more robust and require little maintenance, but may not be aesthetically appropriate in some locations.
We no longer authorise stiles due to the need to improve the accessibility of the public rights of way network.
Any new stile structure installed will be considered an obstruction to the highway and appropriate legal action will be taken.
Design considerations
When designing a new gate, you should consider:
- the surface and approach of gateway will generally require improvement to prevent it becoming muddy (improvements should be specified in the application)
- there should be no fencing at right angles to the gate, for bridleways only
- there should be no barbed wire attached to or within 1 metre of the structure
- that any adjoining fencing must be independent of the gate structure
Suppliers
Off the shelf gates are available from many suppliers, including:
Centrewire Ltd
Brookhouse Industrial Estate
Cheadle, Stone-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST10 1SR
Telephone: 01538 756 554
Website: www.centrewire.com
Mc Veigh Parker
Little Hadham Road
Much Hadham
Ware
SG10 6HL
Telephone: 01279 842 842
Website: www.mcveighparker.co.uk
Secure a field
Ridgefield Business Park
Copt Oak
Beacon Road
Woodhouse Eaves
Loughborough
LE12 9YE
Telephone: 01530 242 405
Website: www.secure-a-field.co.uk
How to apply
Download and complete our application form.
Application for authorisation to install a structure on a footpath or bridleway DOCX, 1.80MB.
Post your completed application form to:
Rights of Way Operations
Buckinghamshire Council
Walton Street
Aylesbury
HP20 1UY
Contact the rights of way team
Email: [email protected].