Agenda and minutes

It was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED:

          That Chris Padley be elected as the Chairman for 2023/24.

There was no nomination for the Vice-Chairman, therefore this item will be deferred to the next meeting of the Forum.

There were no public questions.

Apologies for absence were received from Nick Tomlin, Sandra Harrison, Jon Thornes MBE, Victor Clark, John Law and Sharon Hayes.

None were declared.

The following amendments were agreed:

·       minute item 50 – ‘copping’ should be amended to ‘cropping’

It was questioned whether the letter stating LAF’s view’s and proposals on permissive access had been sent to the relevant DEFRA minister and been sent, as referenced in minute item 52. The Democratic Services Officer would seek clarification.

RESOLVED:

          That the minutes of the meeting held on 30 June 2023 be approved as a correct record, subject to the above amendment.

(To receive an update on the Deregulation Act 2015)

The Forum received an update from the Head of Environment on the Deregulation Act 2015.

Officers were waiting for legislation to be updated, which would include the ending of being able to apply to add pre 1949 rights of way to the Definitive Map & statement. There was also a proposed right to apply for public path orders with a presumption of success in certain circumstances where there was an effect on privacy and security. An update from DEFRA was awaited but it was expected that the regulations would be published by Autumn 2023.

The Forum was advised that the Council currently had a backlog of 404 lost ways for addition to the Definitive Map & Statement which with the current level of resource was estimated to take until 2053 to complete. It was noted that many of the applications had been submitted by a singular individual, however many of these were on behalf of the Ramblers.

During the discussion, the following questions were recorded:

·       Members of the Forum suggested that there was a need for further communication with landowners to explain the situation with Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMO’s). The Head of Environment advised that the Council regularly engaged with the National Farmers Union and other necessary parties on the process undertaken. It was agreed that further engagement with parish and district councils be carried out to draw attention to the process around DMMO’s and the intention for diversions.

RESOLVED:

          That the report be noted.

(To receive an update on the England Coast Path Establishment)

The Head of Environment provided an update on the England Coastal Path, advising that the route for the path had now been agreed and there was no outstanding objections in place. Lincolnshire had one section of open coastal path between Skegness and Mablethorpe. The protection of the east coast flood defences through the beach renourishment programme did occasionally cause access issues for mobility aid users and cyclists so there was work ongoing to resolve these issues.

A dedicated officer would be recruited to support the completion of the Sutton bridge to Skegness and from Mablethorpe to the Humber bridge, which were currently in the establishment phase.

During the discussion, the following points were recorded:

·       Concerns were raised over the nuclear waste site and how the path was planned around the site. It was noted that any changes to the Theddlethorpe site were likely to be a national strategic infrastructure project (NSIP) and would allow for movement and variation orders and the path could therefore be moved if it became apparent it was too close to the site.

RESOLVED:

          That the report be noted.

(To receive an update on the North Hykeham Relief Road Access Proposals)

The Head of Environment provided an update on the North Hykeham Relief Road proposals. The Forum was advised that the scheme had been presented to the Forum to demonstrate the current thinking on the proposals. A number of engagement evenings had already taken place with and the Forum was invited to give their views on the proposals.

The significant impact on the residents within was highlighted, and the level of access for pedal cyclists to Harmston was commended as well as reduction in the access amending route order to rationalise direct contacts.

The proposals were still in the early engagement phases and a formal planning application would be submitted later in the year which would provide opportunity for formal comment.

RESOLVED:

          That the report be noted.

(To receive an update on PROW Section Changes)

The Head of Environment provided an update on the structure of the Public Right of Way team.

The Forum welcomed the suggestion for a presentation by the Country Access and Community Project Officer on the Viking Way walking route.

The Forum welcomed Andrew Fletcher, who would be commencing his role Public Rights of Way & Access Manager at Lincolnshire County Council in July 2023. 

(To receive an update by Angela Coulson which invites the Forum to consider what actions could be taken to aid equestrians on the issue of horse and rider safety)

Angela Tomlin highlighted the issue of Horse and Rider safety to the Forum following a recent incident in which a horse was knocked into a deep verge. The Forum sympathised with the upsetting incident. 

The Forum discussed the possibility of adding signposts to roads to remind to be cautious around horses, however it was noted that Highways had previously rejected this, although the rationale for this was unclear. County Councillors agreed to further investigate the possibility of adding signage on regular routes. It was suggested that the Forum write to the local Highways department on this issue.

It was noted that Lincolnshire County Council were beginning a review of the speed limit policy, and Councillors agreed to pass on concerns of the Forum to be included within the review.

The County Council was currently reviewing how it managed roadside verges in a wider context and access formed part of the intended proposals where it would be appropriate.

RESOLVED:

          That the report be noted.

(To receive an update from Angie Tomlin, which details the latest situation for Countryside for All)

Angie Tomlin introduced the Countryside for All update, which could be found on pages 11-15 of the agenda pack.

The forum were asked to consider the questions set out in the report.

The importance of the leaflet grant was highlighted to raise awareness and understanding of local issues. It was clarified that the leaflet could be found on the Visit Lincolnshire website and suggested that the link be shared with district and parish councils to communicate via social media accounts as many district councils shared walking, cycling and equestrian routes online.

It was suggested that Parish Councils be contacted to ascertain whether there was any interest in them being ambassadors of the Boston Woods Trust Sites, RSPB sites at Frampton Marsh, Freiston Shore and the Deepings Lakes.

RESOLVED:

          That the report be noted.

(To discuss items for future agendas of the Lincolnshire Joint Local Access Forum)

Members discussed the future of the forum and highlighted their concerns about a lack of influence over decision making powers. It was felt that this had which led to difficulty recruiting and little public interest in the Forum.

It was noted that there had previously been a small budget to support LAFs but that was no longer the case, leaving little resource for support.

The Forum considered ways to have more influence and committee considering and advising. An informal meeting with Andrew Fletcher, the Chairman and Councillor representatives would be arranged to outline resources and consider how the Forum could have more influence.

The Forum are requested to consider the proposed dates for future meetings:

·     14 September 2023

·     18 January 2024

·     16 May 2024

·     19 September 2024

·     23 January 2025

The Forum discussed the benefits of holding the meeting in different locations. It was important to consider that Lincolnshire County Council offered hybrid facilities, allowing some members to attend online.

The Head of Environment and the Democratic Services Officer would explore alternative venues.

The Committee were satisfied with the dates proposed:

• 14 September 2023
• 18 January 2024
• 16 May 2024
• 19 September 2024
• 23 January 2025

RESOLVED:

          That the future meeting dates be approved.