Meeting documents

LAF Members report attached.

Mr J Clark presented the LAF Members report which could be seen in the agenda pack and the following key points were raised:

·         Mr J Clark provided an update on the small piece of common land in Frieth, Hambleden Parish. Further details were provided in the agenda pack. BCC had investigated how the common had been registered and this appeared to have been done correctly although a legal dispute had been ongoing for some time purely over ownership. The Commons register had been checked and there were no commoners’ rights. Mr J Clark and Mr A Lambourne attended the site on 3 June 2016 and spoke with the home owner. Access rights were exempted within 20 metres of the property and only a small amount of land fell outside of this restriction. Local residents were worried that were the fencing to remain this could set a precedent for others to do something similar on the both common land and the rights of way network.

RESOLVED

Although the fencing appeared unlawful, it was agreed by all not to take this issue further as pursuing legal action over such a small amount of land would not be in the public interest. It was agreed that a letter would be drafted to the owner outlining the position so that the homeowner could make a well informed decision over the fencing. A dispute over the land would be listed on the land chargesregister.

·         An update on the Restoring the Record project could be seen in the agenda pack. Mr J Clark advised that there had been good cooperation from the Centre of Buckinghamshire Studies who were providing an annual photography ticket to volunteers.

·         Mr R Osborn had kindly circulated an article to Parish Councils and Bucks Older Person’s Action Group. The map provided in the agenda pack indicated the areas which had coverage and those which did not and Mr J Clark advised more volunteers were required.

·         It was asked whether applications for the registering of footpaths could be made in the name of the LAF rather than individuals. Following a detailed discussion it was agreed that Parish Councils may be the best vehicle to take this forward, however should individuals apply that would also be acceptable. It was confirmed that as long asthe application was registered the County Council had a duty to investigate.

·         A web based electronic database of information had not yet been created, but BCC were unable to host. Following discussion it was suggested that the Open Spaces Society be contacted to see if they could possibly host this on their website.

ACTION: Mr J Clark to draft letter on behalf of the Local Access Forum and send to the Open Spaces Society.

·         Little Chalfont Parish Council had designed a small nature park for the local community and sought advice from the Local Access Forum. Mr N Harris and Mr G Caspersz assisted in ensuring the site conformed to the 2010 Equalities Act and Mr N Harris explained he had been happy to help a good project.

·         The Local Plan consultations were ongoing with District Councils. Mr J Clark recapped the dates these consultations would close as seen in the agenda pack. Mr J Clark had commented on the Wycombe Local Plan on behalf of the Local Access Forum and made specific reference to green infrastructure and transportation. It was agreed amongst members that a response would be drafted to the Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan.

ACTION: Mr J Clark to draft response and distribute to Members for comment before sending on to the District Council.

·         Mr J Clark advised Members of ongoing projects all of which were listed on item 5, page 24 of the agenda pack. Mr J Clark also took Members through correspondence items 6, 7, and 8. The Chairman encouraged local users to lobby for the Pegasus crossing on the A413 at Buckingham Park, Watermead.

·         Members were asked to review The Buckinghamshire LAF Annual Report for April 2015 – March 2016 which had been drafted and feed any issues back to Mr J Clark before the end of July.