Contact:
  • Public Rights of Way
  • Address:
    Public Rights of Way, Riverside, Temple Street, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1LA.
  • E-mail:
    PROW@bathnes.gov.uk
  • Telephone:
    01225 394041
  • Fax:
    01225 394205
  • Minicom:
    01225 394166
  • Page Updated:
    22/11/2008
  • Author:
    Caroline Allen
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Gates and Stiles Application Form (PDF 53.9KB) Gates and Stiles Application Form (PDF 53.9KB)

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Public Rights of Way

Stiles and Gates

barbared wire on stile
broken gate
damaged stile

 

Disclaimer: This page provides a general guide to common problems on paths. It is not a comprehensive or conclusive statement of the law nor of Bath & North East Somerset's policy and all problems are dealt with on an individual basis. If you have any specific queries on Rights of Way issues please contact us via the details given.

To report a problem please contact the Public Rights of Way team via the contact details given or complete our online Problem Report Form

Stiles and gates are a traditional part of the landscape. They can be attractive and add interest in their own right to a walk or a ride. Whilst their purpose is generally to control farm animals from straying, they can be inconvenient to users or even prevent people with mobility difficulties from using a path altogether. For these reasons their use is controlled by law.  

metal kissing gate

 

 

Owners of agricultural land, or land that is being brought into use for agriculture, can install new stiles and gates (where there were none previously) only if the structure is necessary to control the movements of animals.  Agriculture includes forestry and the keeping of horses.

bristol 2-in1 gate

However, before installation can begin, the owner must apply for authorisation from the council under s147 Highways Act 1980. A downloadable guidance note and form is available at the top right hand column of this page which should be completed and returned to the PROW Team (PDF 53.9kb). It is the Council’s practice only to authorise the “least restrictive option”. This means that where there is a boundary, a gap should be left for users of the path. If a gap is not appropriate, for instance due to the presence of livestock, then a suitable gate should be installed that is easy to operate by all users that might reasonably be expected to use the path. For instance, on a bridleway gates must be equipped with latches that can be easily opened and closed by someone on horseback. Stiles will only be considered acceptable where there is no local need for easier access and an alternative structure cannot be made suitably stock proof e.g. a self closing latched gate or a kissing gate, or the terrain does not reasonably allow it.

stile

 

 

Once in place, such structures are the responsibility of the landowner to maintain in a safe and convenient condition. If the owner fails to do this, the council can take legal action including repairing the structure itself and recover its costs. The Council is obliged to meet 25% of the reasonable costs of maintaining authorised stiles and gates. It normally does this by offering the materials in lieu of a direct financial contribution and often will also help with the labour required subject to the availability of resources.

kissing gate

In order to make the path network more widely accessible, the Council has a programme of replacing existing stiles with either gaps or suitable gates in agreement with the landowner. Where there is a particularly interesting design of stile or gate or one with historic value then alternative solutions may be considered to increase accessibility.