Agenda and draft minutes
Venue: Jubilee Room - The Gateway. View directions
Contact: Rebecca Binstead
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Apologies for Absence Minutes: Apologies were received from Karen Haining, Melanie Rose, Glyn Thomas and Gavin Caspersz. |
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Declarations of Interest Minutes: David Briggs declared an interest for the Chess Smarter Catchment Project item. |
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Minutes / Matters Arising PDF 129 KB Minutes: RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 1st November 2023 be agreed as a correct record. |
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Chess Smarter Catchment Project PDF 212 KB Steph Horn, Smarter Water Catchment Project Coordinator, Chilterns AONB. Additional documents: Minutes: Please note that there were changes to the order in which these items were heard. This item was heard following the Definitive Map Applications - Statement of Priorities 2024 and Active Travel and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LWCIP).
The LAF received a presentation from Steph Horn, Smarter Catchment Project Coordinator – Chilterns AONB. A copy of the presentation has been appended to these minutes.
The project focused on 6 different themes to enhance the River Chess catchment. A budget of £3million was available for a period of 5 years, until March 2025. Sustrans were engaged in 2022 to review access within the Chess catchment with the aim of understanding routes and usage. Analysis found that the Chess Valley walk between Chesham and Rickmansworth was the most popular.
The Smarter Water Catchment Team steering group decided they wanted to enhance the number of connections and increase the number of points of interest. An analysis of different routes and nodes was undertaken in 2022-2023. A stakeholder workshop was help in 2023, hosted by the Chiltern Chalkstream Project, to look at the options for alternative routes identified by Sustrans. In particular, participants were looking at:
Sustrans then identified 3 different routes to review further and developed a criteria for route testing. Barriers impeding access and routes were noted, such as kissing gates or stiles. Following on from this, the new Chesham to Amersham walking route was deemed the most deliverable and fitting of the criteria above. Steph detailed the next steps to ensure the route would be delivered from April 2024, including surveys and landowner engagement.
The LAF also noted the introduction of footfall counters to understand how many people use the Chess Vally Walk. This would create a data set accessible to partners to enable the development of funding bids. 3 locations were identified:
It was noted that the Chiltern Society had developed 6 new pub-to-pub walks, which had received positive reviews and engagement. The circular routes had promoted local businesses. The Chilterns Conservation Board had also developed a route aimed at children around chalk streams. Other routes were being looked at for the Chiltern Society Magazine.
In the comments that followed, concern was raised over the fencing of the river, resulting in a loss of the openness of the landscape. |
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Active Travel and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP) PDF 205 KB Jonathan Fuller, Principal Transport Strategy Officer, Buckinghamshire Council. Additional documents: Minutes: This item was heard second, following the Definitive Map Applications – Statement of Priorities 2024 item.
The LAF received a presentation from Jonathan Fuller, Principal Transport Strategy Officer and Benjamin Feeney-North, Senior Transport Strategy Officer. They gave an overview of the work undertaken by the Council’s transport strategy team including those delivered under the Active Travel scheme and updates on the LCWIP. A copy of the presentation has been appended to these minutes.
A selection of Active Travel schemes were highlighted, including:
It was explained that the schemes were centred around involving the community as much as possible, to support local resident’s confidence in utilising the transport infrastructure. Activities included tree planting, chalk artwork competitions with local school children, and bikeability events with the Bike Register initiative.
Jonathan Fuller introduced the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs), which are strategies developed by local authorities nationally to outline priorities for future investment in walking, cycling, and wheeling infrastructure. These plans can be created at a range of scales such as town, city or authority-wide. It was explained that the LCWIPs were needed to be able to access external funding, either through government bids or external partners.
The following LCWIPs were identified:
Extensive data analysis had been conducted to identify different destination types across the county and understand the demand for active modes of transport to feed into the Buckinghamshire LCWIP. The team had also conducted a range of engagement exercises across all the Community Board areas and local Member input had been sought to understand their local priorities. It was recognised that the proposed network needed to be realistic in terms of scope.
The Buckinghamshire LCWIP was in the process of approvals prior to going out for consultation. The LAF would be made aware when the consultation was live so they can input their views.
Following questions from LAF members, the following was raised:
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Definitive Map Applications - Statement of Priorities 2024 PDF 194 KB Claire Hudson, Definitive Map and Highway Searches Team Leader, Buckinghamshire Council. Additional documents: Minutes: This item was heard first.
Helen Francis, Senior Definitive Map Officer, presented the revised Statement of Priorities, which was included in the agenda pack. Two changes were proposed; update the document with the corporate plan vision and state the Council’s intention to investigate and make and order for at least one ‘documentary evidence only’ based Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) each year. The LAF welcomed the changes and agreed to proceed with finalising the Statement of Priorities. |
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Rights of Way Group Update PDF 278 KB Claire Hudson, Definitive Map and Highways Searches Team Leader; Jonathan Clark, James Spratley Strategic Access Officers; and Joanne Taylor, Rights of Way Operations Team Leader. Additional documents: Minutes: Jonathan Clark, Strategic Access Officer, gave a summary of the definitive modification map applications caseload and welcomed any questions.
Regarding strategic access, a second sinkhole had appeared near Great Missenden. Councillor Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, and Councillor Steve Broadbent met with HS2 officials and the sinkhole was repaired quickly by January 2024. The Buckinghamshire Council website had been kept up-to-date with the diversion and reopening of the footpath.
Councillor Steve Broadbent confirmed that the Council had asked for ongoing monitoring to ensure there were no further ground movements, although it was unclear how long this would continue.
Buckinghamshire Council had been consulted on Rosefield Solar Farm for their environmental scoping report and the impacts of a potential project of that size. The Strategic Access team identified 25 public rights of way, across 7 parishes, that would be affected. Concern was raised over the attractiveness of the site and whether it would have an impact on other routes. The developer proposed a rights of way plan for the site, which could be brought to the LAF at a future meeting for comments.
Following discussion, key points raised included:
Action: Strategic Access Team
Action: Strategic Access Team
18 donors had been sourced as part of the Donate-a-Gate scheme, to improve the network in partnership with the Chilterns Society.
Jonathan Clark also presented the operations update, highlighting the changes to staffing with 1.5 vacant posts and further recruitment proposed. It was explained that the team were unable to complete the winter BVPI Rights of Way Condition Survey 2023/24 due to resource issues, however it was intended that a 5% condition survey be undertaken in 2024. The capital project update reported on the winter storms and floods that impacted the work of the team. Concern was raised over the impact such damage will have on future budgets due to climate change.
A query was raised about the access point near Chawley Manor Farm on Bottom Road. It was agreed that Jonathan Clark would look into this further.
Action: Jonathan Clark, Strategic Access Officer |
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LAF members’ report PDF 568 KB Minutes: James Spratley, Strategic Access Officer, presented the report and informed members that the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead LAF had approached Buckinghamshire LAF regarding the permissive footpaths around Eton Rowing Lake. A request had been received, asking the Buckinghamshire LAF to co-author a letter to Eton College to ask that the paths remain open all-year round.
It was agreed that the Buckinghamshire LAF would support the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead LAF, but would encourage an informal approach to present possible solutions.
LAF members were informed of the away-day planned at the Centre for Outdoor Accessibility Training on Saturday 30th April 2024.
The LAF agreed that a formal letter be sent to thank former LAF member, Alison Heath, for her service.
Action: Jonathan Clark, Strategic Access Officer |
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Minutes: Brian Worrell shared the response Sir Mike Penning MP received from Rebecca Pow MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Nature, regarding the cut-off date for recording rights of way onto the definitive map. A copy of this letter has been attached to these minutes. |
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Dates & venue of the next meetings · 10am 10th July 2024 (Paralympic Room, The Gateway, Aylesbury, HP19 8FF) · 10am 6th November 2024 (Paralympic Room, The Gateway, Aylesbury, HP19 8FF) Minutes: 10am, 10th July 2024 (Paralympic Room, The Gateway, Aylesbury, HP19 8FF) |