Request a temporary public rights of way closure
Timescales
We require 8 weeks' notice to administer and advertise a closure Order.
A temporary closure order cannot be made unless the proposed works are lawful, i.e. planning permission has been granted (where appropriate) and the works will not obstruct, narrow, change the level or drain onto the public right of way after the closure has ended unless the applicant has obtained a confirmed Diversion Order (this is in addition to planning consent).
Where the proposed works will permanently narrow, move, encroach, divert or block a public right of way please attach a copy of the Public Path Order (usually made and confirmed under S257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990). Before the Public Path Order takes effect (i.e. it is made, confirmed and certified) you cannot close the original route without a Temporary Closure Order. After it takes effect you cannot close any new route without a Temporary Closure Order.
It is possible to grant a Temporary Closure by Notice for up to 5 days or by Order for up to 6 months. If there is proof of a good reason, the County Council can apply to the Secretary of State for Transport for an extension – applicants must apply for an extension 8 weeks before the expiry of the original temporary closure.
Site notice and closure signs
Applicants must erect, at the site of the proposed closure, an information sign giving the public advance warning of the proposed closure. The signs must be in position ten days before the commencement of the Closure.
Applicants will be responsible for the erection, maintenance and removal of any temporary diversion signs and you should be aware that access to properties and premises are to be maintained at all times.
Applicants must ensure that all statutory public notices displayed advising of closure are removed upon completion of work.
Costs
The current (2025/26) charges are as follows;
Temporary Closure Order is £815 plus the costs of advertising the Order twice in the local press. Advertising costs can be as hight as £2,000 depending on the local publication.
The amendment or extension to an existing Temporary Closure is £795 plus the costs of advertising the Order twice in the local press.
Privacy notice
When you submit your application, the information may be in any Public Notices about the works. Please see the council's planning and environment privacy notice for further information about how we use your information.
The Council will record temporary closure orders on MARIO, the council's online interactive map.
Application
For further information please contact the Public Rights of Way Department.
Email: prowclosures@lancashire.gov.uk
Public Rights of Way department,
Lancashire County Council,
County Hall,
P.O. Box 100,
County Hall,
Preston,
PR1 0BR