Meeting documents

Apologies were received from Chris Hurworth and Netta Glover.

There were no declarations of interest.

Nominations were welcomed for the election of a new Chairman. David Briggs nominated Richard Pushman who in the absence of any other nominations agreed to be considered for the role. The nomination was agreed by Members present. Richard Pushman thanked Members and paid tribute to the outgoing Chairman who had put a tremendous amount of work into the forum. The new Chairman pledged to continue this good work and keep the Local Access Forum as the effective force for open spaces it has been.

A typing error was noted on page 2; paragraph 3 – the word ‘short’ had been used instead of ‘shots’. Once rectified the minutes of the meeting held on 1^st July 2015 were agreed as an accurate record.

Action: Leslie Ashton to correct error.

No matters were raised at this point.

Claire Hudson, Definitive Map Team; Jonathan Clark, Strategic Access Advisor; and Joanne Taylor, Operations Team Leader

Definitive Map Update

Phil Turner, Definitive Map Officer presented the definitive map update which could be seen with the agenda. Phil Turner highlighted a number of matters previously determined by committee which were outlined in the report in further detail.

Alongside Definitive Map Order modifications the workload of the team was summarised. 7 modification orders were to be investigated, 2 public pathways had been completed, 1 was on hold and 12 others were at various stages of completion, 1 village green application was awaiting investigation and a number of TRO applications had been processed as and when submitted (an average of 4 a month). No questions were asked.

Strategic Access Update

Jonathan Clark, Strategic Access Advisor presented the strategic access update and explained that in respect of HS2, assurances had been received that a cycleway would be implemented alongside the Stoke Mandeville bypass as well as a guarantee that all newly diverted rights of way will conform to the county standard width for new footpaths and bridleways. Agreements made over the last three months had not yet appeared as amendments to the HS2 bill but it was hoped that this would be done shortly.

The first of two public consultations on the East West Rail Project are underway and the County Council had responded on all 42 proposed new rights of way crossings.

During discussions the following questions were asked and comments made.

What were the views on the increased planning applications? It was said that the majority of growth was happening within Aylesbury Vale with an increased number of houses being built in the area and together with the economic revival this was believed to have led to a significant increase in planning applications.

How was the Donate-a-Gate scheme being marketed? The scheme had been marketed a number of ways over the years and it was said that donors had been slowing. A Member suggested that funeral directors could be targeted as it would appeal as an in memoriam scheme. Jonathan Clark would explore this suggestion.

With the Donate-a-Gate scheme currently being in the Chilterns could community groups start similar schemes with the support from the Local Access Forum and make the public aware of such schemes? It was recognised that there had been no coverage in the north of the county although County Council Officers have limited time so ideally there would need to be a voluntary / outside group element. It was said that the County Council could manage the financial side of any project. The Chiltern Society had run volunteer work parties to install the donated gates, but they did not have the capacity to expand into the Vale. The Chiltern Society had also been training some Rambler affiliated volunteers, a group called Ripple, to install new gates, so there may be a small volunteer element available.

A member highlighted the new Aylesbury Vale District Council lottery which was designed for community and charitable groups to apply for funding. The chairman suggested the lottery is designed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Jonathan Clark gave the following update (additional information could be seen in the report).

·         Chiltern District Council had confirmed that the fence wire had now been removed at Pinner Green following letters sent by the Chairman, which led to good publicity for the Local Access Forum.

·         A good response had been received from parish councils and user groups to the 2026 cut-off date letter. The Rights of Way team had offered to help out with training and the need for everything to be organised and structured was recognised. Dr Phil Wadey was said to be an expert in the area who could possibly help out.A member suggested that work could be done by email rather than the holding of frequent meetings and it was recognised that there are many online resources where mapscould be viewed. The level of experience of those coming forward had been varied. Jonathan Clark agreed to look into whether Members would be charged for photocopies whilst carrying out research.                                                            

Action: Jonathan Clark

·         LAF Member, Gavin Caspersz had attended a local stakeholders briefing on the proposed A355 Relief Road scheme to the east of Beaconsfield. Gavin Caspersz advised that the scheme was at an early stage and the route had yet to be decided so in relation to access it was too early for issues to have been raised.

·         A joint Local Access Forum meeting was held to discuss cross boundary issues between Buckinghamshire and neighbouring authorities. The meeting was said to have been productive and discussions had included the proposal for new bridleway dedication along the Jubilee River network and the M4 Smart Motorway scheme. The Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment advised that a robust response was sent to HighwaysEngland in respect of closing Old Slade Lane Bridge for 12 months during construction, as it is the only right of way in that area for some distance.

·         The Chairman attended a South East Local Area Forum Chairs meeting and advised that there were some interesting projects discussed.

·         The Buckinghamshire Local Access Forum annual report had been submitted to Natural England. Jonathan Clark added that he would also be organising training for new members of Local Access Forums.

The Chairman commented that with parish councils being heavily relied upon it would benefit the Local Access Forum to have representation from the Bucks Association of Local Councils. All Members were in agreement.

A Member commented that Taylor Wimpey had provided the County Council with funds for a Pegasus crossing to be implemented on the A413 although it was not clear what stage this was at. Jonathan Clark agreed to look into this and report back to the forum with an update.

Action: Jonathan Clark

Mezzanine Room 1, County Hall, Aylesbury, 10am Wednesday 23^rd March 2016

Mezzanine Room 1, County Hall, Aylesbury, 10 a.m. - Wednesday 23^rd March 2016.

Mezzanine Room 1, County Hall, Aylesbury, 10 a.m. – Wednesday 20^th July 2016

Mezzanine Room 1, County Hall, Aylesbury, 10 a.m. – Wednesday 9^th November 2016