Definitive Map Officer

About the role
The position of Definitive Map Officer is required to fulfil North Northamptonshire Council’s (the Council’s) statutory duties and powers in respect of public rights of way in accordance with, in particular, the Highways Act 1980 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The post holder oversees any legal changes to the rights of way network in North Northamptonshire and ensures that at all times the legal integrity of the Definitive Map and Statement (the legal record of rights of way) is preserved so that the Council is protected from legal action taken by either the Secretary of State or members of the public. The legislation regarding public rights of way and Definitive Maps is both broad and complex and the post holder provides a specialist advisory service to a wide range of stakeholders.

What will you be doing?
- To prepare periodic Legal Event Orders (‘LEOs’) and ensure the accurate preparation and publication (by legal order) of the periodic consolidation of the Definitive Map and Statement. Any inaccuracies could result in costly legal claims being made against the Council.
- To produce reports with recommendations for the officer with the relevant delegated powers, and draft any subsequent legal Orders. If the reports are not thorough and accurate this can lead to legal challenges and unnecessary costs for the Council and/or applicant.
- To prepare the Council’s case for written representations, public hearings or public inquiries if there are objections to Orders (either DMMOs or PPOs) to try to ensure that the inquiry inspector confirms the Council’s Order and that the Council is protected from excessive costs claims. To give evidence and be cross-examined as an expert witness in courts of all levels and public inquiries in order to execute the Council’s legal responsibilities in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
- To ensure accurate rights of way registers and records are created, kept and maintained to ensure that the Council meets it statutory obligations in this regard. A significant amount of the records are kept on the Council’s website and GIS system. The maintaining of these records ensures compliance with the Council’s best practice policies and procedures, thereby enhancing the Council’s service to the public. The post holder conducts rights of way searches and provides signed legal extracts of the Definitive Map (which may be used as legal evidence).
- To work with North Northamptonshire planning departments by providing expert, professional advice to their legal teams in the making and confirming of PPOs under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 in order to protect the legal integrity of the routes on the Definitive Map.
- To contribute to the content and policies within the local Rights of Way Improvement Plan and Local Transport Plan in order to set targets for the next five years.
- To examine, review, advise on and accept Landowner Deposits to ensure that they cannot be called into question at a later date, thereby protecting the landowner and the integrity of the Council.

About you
- A good understanding of the legal and historical background to the Definitive Map with good knowledge of highway, environmental or land law. In particular, a working knowledge of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Highways Act 1980 and earlier Highways Acts in so much as these are concerned with public rights of way.
- Exceptionally skilled at report writing and able to draft Orders or legally binding agreements such as Definitive Map Modification Orders, Public Path Orders and Deed of Dedication.
- Ability to act as an expert witness and provide legal advice to Solicitors and third party organisations.
- Excellent map reading skills with the ability to read and interpret historic maps and documents including early highways records such as Inclosure Acts and Awards
- Extensive knowledge of the Highways Act 1980
- Member of IPROW (Institute of Public Rights of Way)
- Good interpersonal skills with ability to negotiate with third party organisations and the public

About us
We are a new unitary council, established in April 2021; we are one of the largest unitary councils in the country. Our vision for North Northants is to be 'A place where everyone has the best opportunities and quality of life'.

Our priorities are:

- helping people live active fulfilled lives
- caring for our young people, providing them with high quality education and opportunities
- enabling a thriving and successful economy
- leading on a green and sustainable environment
- ensuring our communities are connected so they can shape their lives and where they live
- providing modern public services

Our values, as chosen by our staff, are - Customer-focused, Respectful, Efficient, Supportive and Trustworthy.

**Your differences make us different - Achieve Together.**
- We are undertaking consultation with the Trade Unions on terms and conditions and the future NNC pay