Path modification orders (DMMOs)

Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMOs) were submitted last year for paths including MST30, MST62 and MST28 and others which have been used unofficially by generations to access Doverow woods and the fields surrounding it. Sections of the original PROWs were long lost since excavations by  Stonehouse Brick & Tile Company formed a quarry leaving a cliff face.

Until the land known as Verney Fields was purchased in February 2023 there has never been any restrictions placed on public access. This is when users were barred from accessing the land and the original footpaths had to be reinstated by carving into the steep neighbouring woodland, bramble was cleared and overgrown branches cut off by the new owners to re-route the public.  Public Rights of Ways (PROWs) which cross the now privately-owned Verney Fields have been fenced off with barbed wire and the public and their dogs are channelled along narrow uneven pathways. Areas through the steep woodlands can be treacherous, especially after heavy rain due to the concentrated heavy footfall on waterlogged and uneven clay steps and paths.

Friends of Verney Fields group aims to:

• Follow up on Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) applications to reinstate and officially document the previously used paths across Verney Fields as official Public Rightsof Way (PROWs).

• Promote and encourage the use and retention of a complete MST28, and where required modify it accordingly through a DMMO to ensure access to both the Viewpoint AND its junction with MST30 and MST62.

• Support Stonehouse Town Council in their application no. JB/77161 for Town Green Status

Where we are now

January 2025

A 6-week public consultation process has begun regarding the recommendations made at 10th December meeting of Commons & Rights of Way Committee.

December 2024

At a meeting on 10th December, Members of Gloucestershire Commons & Rights of Way Committee resolved:

• That Orders be made to add a length of public footpath to the Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way between the following points: A-B, B-D, E-F-K-O, Q-T, N-K, J-O, L-O, M-O, P-Q, U-H, G-I & B-C on Verney fields. View map.

• Re THE ALIGNMENT OF PUBLICFOOTPATH MST28 – That an Order be made to delete the length of Public Footpath MST28 on the Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way between the points B-C on the basis that it was subject to a drafting error. The top section going across Verney Field was retained due to potential addition between P-Q on the map.

• An Order was also made to add a length of public footpath from Oak Way to the Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way.

Friends of Verney Fields understands that it was essential to delete the bottom section of MST28 so that our application with alternative safe routes can be progressed.

View minutes

View reports & presentation

June 2024

Friends of Verney Fields made an application specifically for MST28 showing 2 spurs: one to the viewpoint and one to join up with MST62. Gloucestershire County Council are now processing the application.

February 2024

Path modification forms were submitted by STC last year and since there has been an unprecedented amount of pressure on GCC’s Highways dept caused by the owners and unhappy residents, our applications have been prioritised and should be progressed in the Summer of 2024.

In the meantime, further issues with the recent temporary closure of MST28 have prompted those who regularly walk it to pursue further DMMO applications specifically for this path. This work is ongoing and we aim to have them sent off very soon so that they can be dealt with along applications for MST30 & MST62 and other new paths including the cliff walks etc.

For more information and/or path application forms please contact us

Support our campaign

Friends of Verney Fields is campaigning to reinstate the free and unimpeded access to open space and traditional paths in and around Verney Fields which have been enjoyed for generations. This includes supporting Stonehouse Town Council in their application for Town Green status.

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