Meeting documents

Apologies for absence were received from Brenda Jennings and Peter Challis.

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 November 2010 were confirmed.

There were no matters arising.

Helen Beevers, Definitive Map Officer;

Jonathan Clark, Strategic Access Officer

Joanne Taylor Operations Team Leader.

Members had received the Rights of Way Group report.

The Officer provided the following update on the ‘Definitive Map Update – Rights of Way Applications’

6. Since the report was published the application for the downgrading of a bridleway to a footpath in Ashley Green has been refused.

The Chairman invited questions on the report or Rights of Way issues.

Mr Pushman announced that he understood the County Council did not contest the report in relation to the Appeal of the Special Extinguishment Order – Piper’s Corner School, Hughenden Parish. He said that the public have a right of way to go into the school grounds and that the Police have commented that this breaches the security of pupils. Ofsted had made reference to this point and asked why there couldn’t have been a minor deviation to the path. Ms Beevers said that the County Council had made the Order and having considered all the evidence decided that diverting the route would not have made a difference. Mr Pushman said that the Council should have emphasised deviation, not closure of the route. Mr Walker said that the issue was discussed at length, it was a new piece of legislation and Officers were reliant on the tests as set out in legislation. The application had been to Public Inquiry and the Inspector had decided not to confirm the Order. To challenge the decision the Council would have to go to the High Court and contest the legality of the decision.

Mr Briggs said that the feeling of perceived safety of the pupils was an important issue and that Ofsted had taken this point into account. He said if strangers are able to walk around a site they will. Mr Pushman asked if it would have been easier to get the Order granted if the Council had made a diversion order rather than a closure Order. Mr Clark advised that it is not possible to divert a footpath onto an existing public right of way, which would have been the case here. Mr Walker commented that the threshold test for this legislation was high. Mr Briggs said that the Local Access Forum needs to encourage the County Council to look again at the decision and encourage change. Ms Lynch then added that it is a point of law which needs revisiting and that if it has happened at this school it is likely to happen at other schools and institutions. Mr Harris suggested that the school should improve their current security and then make another application. Mr Hurworth said that the Council should learn from the issues raised in this example and perhaps consult with schools before the submission on an application to increase the likelihood of the order succeeding. Mr Hurworth then asked if it was possible to carry out a closure under s118 Highways Act 1980. Mr Walker said that this was s118B of the Act and that Section 118 may be used if it could be shown  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Members had received the LAF Members’ Report.

Buckinghamshire County Council – Finance and Budgets.

Mr Pushman said that the Council has to make tremendous savings and thanked staff, commenting that Members appreciated that it was not good for staff morale to work under a constant threat of down-sizing.

Local Transport Plan (LTP) 3 consultation.

The Chairman responded to the consultation although there were no comments received from LAF Members.

Members noted the response

Chilterns’ Conservation Board Access Conference, 3 March 2011

Mr Harris attended the conference and outlined the National Trust’s Outdoors vision for the Chilterns and also presented this to the LAF. The key points highlighted were as follows:

How the National Trust takes forward its vision until 2020 will be done in phases.

Next 3 year vision:-

• People recognise us and join us as much for the work carried out in the countryside as for our houses and built environment
• Change in the way people see and support us both in terms of what we do and our relevance and appeal to a wider range of people.
• A shift from just ‘conservation’ to ‘enabler’ provide opportunity for people to experience and enjoy outdoors in way they want to
• A new more sustainable business case for our work at non pay for entry properties.

Why do people come to a NT site?

• Countryside

• Architecture
• Lots of opportunity for access – Bradenham is an ideal site
• Views
• Walks
• Tress – have beautiful woodlands
• New leisure – e.g. snowboarding at sites like Coombe Hill
• Geo-caching
• Den building

The key theme is going local and visiting village fetes to tell people what the NT is doing and what is on offer. It is also a good way to talk to local people.

Visitors are:

• Curious minds
• Explorer families

Walking, cycling and camping will be three areas which the NT will be looking at developing further.

There will be a walking festival in October 2011 and a series of local walks will be developed.

What will we be doing?

• Make the Countryside more accessible
• Provide great walking
• Generate income
• Conservation work

The Chairman thanked Mr Harris for his presentation.

Natural England Countryside Code Review

Members were referred to Appendix 2 and 3 and the Chairman invited comments. The following points were raised;

• It is difficult to know who the code is aimed at
• It does not appear a finished document
• Presentation not effective
• It is not plain English or easy to understand messages
• If it wants to say don’t touch nests it should say it instead of a long paragraph about how "eggs and young will die soon without protection from their parents……."
• Birds are not mentioned again until the end of the code
• If want to say don’t pick bluebells it should say it
• Litter is not mentioned until the end of the document
• It says to call the police if see a dead bird – why?
• It mentions farm animals – what about non farm animals
• Document says ‘be prepared for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The Chairman invited the Member of Royal Borough of Windsor LAF to comment on his thoughts of the Buckinghamshire LAF. He observed that there appears to be co-operation around the table. He said that it was a return invitation and a Member of Bucks LAF was invited to observe a meeting of Royal Borough of Windsor LAF. Mr Coombe agreed to attend this provided the date was suitable.

Mr Clark highlighted that the South East LAF meeting was to be held on 7 April 2011 at the Friends Meeting House, Euston Road, London. Mr Elfes, Mr Briggs and Ms Lynch will be attending.

Mr Clark provided Members with copies of the Simply Walk leaflet. Mr Caspersz enquired if the project was run by BCC and Mr Clark confirmed that it was. Mr Caspersz enquired about the brief of the group and asked whether it could accommodate disabled users. Mr Clark said he could put Mr Caspersz in touch with Ms Broadbent, the officer responsible.

The next meeting is to be held on 6 July 2011, 10am, Mezzanine Room 1, County Hall, Aylesbury.

The next meeting is to be held on 6 July 2011, 10am, Mezzanine Room 1, County Hall, Aylesbury.