In section 118 of the 1980 Act (stopping up of footpaths and bridleways) after subsection (6) there is inserted—

“(6A)

The considerations to which—

(a)

the Secretary of State is to have regard in determining whether or not to confirm a public path extinguishment order, and

(b)

a council are to have regard in determining whether or not to confirm such an order as an unopposed order,

include any material provision of a rights of way improvement plan prepared by any local highway authority whose area includes land over which the order would extinguish a public right of way.”