Public Footpath WT432, Brenchley and Matfield Definitive Map Modification Order and Diversion and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Order 2026

The County Council upon direction of the Secretary of State has made a Definitive Map Modification Order (‘DMMO’) under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 S.53 to record a public footpath numbered WT432 through the car park of the former Wheelwright Arms in Matfield. The reasons are set out in further detail in the Planning Inspectors decision which is available on request from the Public Rights of Way Officer.

This order will add a public footpath running through the car park of the former Wheelrwright Arms in Matfield.

Further details about the order (including how to respond) can be found in the DMMO folder in the Documents section.

Alongside this, the County Council has also made an Order to divert part of public footpath WT432 to a proposed new surfaced route between the car park and Maidstone Road.

Under the Highways Act 1980, an Order may be made to close or divert a Public Footpath, Bridleway or Restricted Byway where it is in the interests of the landowner and/or the public to do so. In considering a proposal, the County Council will have regard to whether the new route is substantially less convenient to the public and the impact of the proposed diversion on the public enjoyment of the route as a whole.

Further details about this order (including how to respond) can be found in the Diversion folder in the Documents section.

If both orders are confirmed, then the footpath will be recorded and then the affected section would be simultaneously diverted to a new 2.0 metre wide route as shown on the diversion order plan between Points C-D.

The deadline for responses is 12 June 2026

The County Council upon direction of the Secretary of State has made a Definitive Map Modification Order (‘DMMO’) under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 S.53 to record a public footpath numbered WT432 through the car park of the former Wheelwright Arms in Matfield. The reasons are set out in further detail in the Planning Inspectors decision which is available on request from the Public Rights of Way Officer.

This order will add a public footpath running through the car park of the former Wheelrwright Arms in Matfield.

Further details about the order (including how to respond) can be found in the DMMO folder in the Documents section.

Alongside this, the County Council has also made an Order to divert part of public footpath WT432 to a proposed new surfaced route between the car park and Maidstone Road.

Under the Highways Act 1980, an Order may be made to close or divert a Public Footpath, Bridleway or Restricted Byway where it is in the interests of the landowner and/or the public to do so. In considering a proposal, the County Council will have regard to whether the new route is substantially less convenient to the public and the impact of the proposed diversion on the public enjoyment of the route as a whole.

Further details about this order (including how to respond) can be found in the Diversion folder in the Documents section.

If both orders are confirmed, then the footpath will be recorded and then the affected section would be simultaneously diverted to a new 2.0 metre wide route as shown on the diversion order plan between Points C-D.

The deadline for responses is 12 June 2026