Meeting documents

Updates from:

Helen Francis, Definitive Map Team

Jonathan Clark, Strategic Access Advisor

Joanne Taylor, Operations Team Leader

Local Access Forum Members were provided with the Rights of Way Group update in the agenda pack and questions were welcomed on the Definitive Map update. Key points raised were as below:

·         Mrs C Hudson confirmed that both item 4 (Iver) and item 8 (Great Missenden) had been to Committee on 12 July 2016 and were accepted.

·         Item 20 (Chenies, Chalfont St Peter, Denham) – Liaison was ongoing with Hertfordshire and there was a view to take this to Committee in November 2016.

Mr J Clark presented the Strategic Access update and key points were raised as below:

·         Recent discussions had taken place with HS2 in relation to the Transport & Works Act Order for the railway sidings at Calvert. Three diversions were proposed, but these would not significantly affect network connectivity in the area.

·         Mr A Lambourne attended a public meeting in relation to the planning application for a new walking and cycling route linking Aylesbury Vale Parkway station to Waddesdon village and Manor House. It was understood by LAF Members that no objections had been made to the application. It was confirmed that the route would not be a bridleway although would have a bridleway diverted on to the route for a short distance.

·         The number of planning applications affecting rights of way had increased from 219 Y/E 31st March 2015 to 260 Y/E 31st March 2016. This was identified as an important area of work as it can attract hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of investment in the network on paths linked to development sites. It was said that this was mainly linked to housing growth within Aylesbury Vale.  It was added that several more applications to restore statuses of rights of way may be seen as a result of development.

Ms J Taylor presented the Rights of Way operations update and key points and comments were as below:

·         The summary of works could be seen on page 19 of the agenda pack. There had been an increase in the number of issues year on year and there had been a notable increase in the number of bridges repaired. An Officer had carried out data cleansing and a number of issues were resolved when sites were inspected which added to this number.

·         The number of hours recorded by Chiltern Society volunteers was down. The volunteers were said to be working on the Rights of Way network although this was devolved parish work and not directly through BCC. Voluntary hours from the Ramblers Association were also included in the summary.

·         LAF Members raised concern that footpaths were not being maintained despite the funds spent on the implementation. The actual width of grass cut was questioned and the new footpaths in Weedon and Padbury were highlighted as a concern as was the Buckingham to Winslow cycleway.

ACTION: Mr J Clark to raise with the Highways Team and provide a response on cut widths.

·         Ms N Glover advised the LAF to report any overgrown hedges/verges online via the ‘Report it’ function if any were obstructing views and affecting road safety.

·         There remained seven Rights of Way closed, six due to bridge issues. LAF Members were advised that a number of bridges required work which would require paid contractors for which there was no capital funding. The provisional target of inspections was 400 in a year dependant on staff levels. One bridge crossed the County boundaryinto Oxfordshire and a joint contribution from each County Council and the landowner was being explored to reach a resolution.

·         86 parishes had now taken up the devolvement project and were clearing paved areas and siding out. A Member asked how work was being monitored. Ms J Taylor advised that staffing levels did not allow ongoing monitoring and the team were reliant on being informed of any issues. Ms J Taylor advised that this could be done online and a list of parishes could be chosenfrom where the issue relates.

·         A LAF Member advised that the ‘Report It’ system online often shows a resolved status when the issue was not necessarily resolved. Mr W Whyte explained that he had been informed this issue was resolved and this would be raised to be re-looked at.

·         There had been a decrease in FTE staff in the Rights of Way operations team and this was currently at 4. It was hoped permission would be given to recruit to the role recently vacated by Ms Rosie Taylor.