Yorkshire countryside footpath could be diverted under new council plans
Plans to divert a public footpath through farmland near Harrogate have been announced, with residents invited to have their say.
A public footpath near a North Yorkshire village could be diverted under a new order made by North Yorkshire Council.
The proposed changes affect Public Footpath No. 15.65/5 at Spruisty Grange Farm in Killinghall, near Harrogate.
The council made the Public Path Diversion and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Order on September 11, 2026.
Under the order, the existing footpath would be diverted onto a new route running generally south-south-west before turning east-south-east.
The proposed route would run mainly through a small pasture field, alongside the field boundary.
The changes would also require an amendment to the official Definitive Map and Statement, which records public rights of way.
Members of the public can inspect the order and accompanying map free of charge at Bilton and Woodfield Community Library during normal opening hours until Thursday (Nov 12).
The documents can also be downloaded free of charge from the North Yorkshire Council website.
Anyone wishing to object to or make representations about the proposed diversion must do so in writing by Thursday (Nov 12), stating their reasons.
Representations should be sent to Suzanne Williamson, Definitive Map Team, North Yorkshire Council, County Hall, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 8AD.
If no objections are received, or any submitted objections are withdrawn, the council may confirm the order without opposition.
If unresolved objections remain and the order is referred to the Secretary of State for confirmation, those objections will be forwarded for consideration.