Active Travel England’s new Rural Design Guide marks an important change in how rural development and infrastructure should be planned.
The guidance encourages developers, landowners and planning professionals to consider walking, wheeling and cycling from the earliest stages of a project. It also highlights the importance of connecting new developments with existing public rights of way and wider access networks.
Although the guide does not create new legal requirements, it provides a clear indication of the standards and principles that will influence future rural planning and design.
For developers and landowners, understanding the Rural Design Guide can help identify opportunities, reduce planning risks and create better-connected places.
Rural Design Guide and Public Rights of Way
One of the key messages within the guidance is that public rights of way form an important part of rural connectivity.
Footpaths, bridleways and restricted byways have traditionally been viewed mainly as recreational routes. However, many already provide valuable links between villages, homes, schools, workplaces and local services.
The guidance encourages developers to look at existing rights of way as opportunities rather than constraints.
A well-designed development should consider:
- how existing paths connect with the proposed site;
- whether routes can provide links into nearby communities;
- whether improvements could increase accessibility; and
- whether legal changes, such as diversions, may be required.
Considering these issues early helps avoid delays later in the planning process.
Why the Rural Design Guide Matters for Developers
The guide promotes a more joined-up approach to rural movement.
Instead of planning roads, footways and public rights of way separately, it encourages designers to consider how all routes work together.
For developers, this means access should sit alongside other early site assessments, including:
- highways;
- drainage;
- ecology;
- landscape;
- heritage; and
- utilities.
Leaving public rights of way until the later stages of a project can create unnecessary complications. Early consideration allows developers to create layouts that work with the existing landscape.
Rural Design Guide and Site Connectivity
The guidance places strong emphasis on creating connected places.
New developments should not operate as isolated sites. Instead, they should link effectively with surrounding communities and existing infrastructure.
Public rights of way can play an important role in achieving this.
A footpath crossing a development site may provide a future route to a village centre. A bridleway may connect with wider countryside networks. A previously overlooked path may offer an opportunity to improve sustainable travel options.
Good connectivity can benefit future residents and strengthen the overall design of a development.
Rural Design Guide and Accessibility
Accessibility is a key theme throughout the guidance.
Developers should consider how people with different abilities will experience routes and spaces. This includes looking at:
- route widths;
- surface conditions;
- gradients;
- crossing points; and
- unnecessary barriers.
Accessible design works best when it starts at the beginning of a project.
Making improvements during the design stage is usually more practical and cost-effective than trying to retrofit changes after construction.
Rural Design Guide for Landowners
The guidance is also relevant for landowners considering future projects.
Many rural estates and farms are exploring opportunities such as:
- diversification projects;
- tourism developments;
- renewable energy schemes;
- commercial development; and
- residential proposals.
In these situations, public rights of way can influence the design and delivery of a project.
Landowners should understand:
- where public routes cross their land;
- how those routes connect with the wider network;
- whether proposals affect existing access; and
- whether formal legal processes may be needed.
Early advice can help identify both potential issues and opportunities.
Planning for Public Rights of Way
Where development affects public rights of way, specialist advice can help projects progress more smoothly.
This may include:
- reviewing existing routes;
- identifying access constraints;
- advising on diversion or creation procedures;
- supporting planning applications;
- considering opportunities for improved connections; and
- engaging with relevant stakeholders.
A proactive approach often reduces uncertainty and helps avoid costly changes later.
A Changing Approach to Rural Development
The Rural Design Guide reflects a wider change in how we think about movement and access.
Public rights of way are increasingly recognised as part of the infrastructure that supports healthy, connected communities.
For developers and landowners, this means access should not be treated as an issue to resolve after a design has been prepared. Instead, it should form part of the initial site assessment.
Projects that consider access early are more likely to deliver practical, sustainable and well-integrated outcomes.
How CD Access Consultancy Can Help
At CD Access Consultancy, we provide specialist advice on public rights of way, access and development.
We support landowners, developers and planning professionals by identifying constraints, advising on legal processes and helping integrate access considerations into projects from the earliest stages.
Whether you are preparing a planning application, reviewing a development opportunity or need advice on an existing public right of way, we can help you navigate the process with confidence.
Contact CD Access Consultancy to discuss how public rights of way may affect your project.
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