The Leicestershire Local Access Forum was scheduled to consider updates on public path orders, the progress of various Definitive Map Modification Orders, and the implementation of a new inspection regime for public rights of way. The meeting was also scheduled to discuss reports from committees and outside bodies, including developments at Stretton Hall and the Charnwood Forest Regional Park.

Orders Update

The forum was scheduled to receive an update on public path and Definitive Map Modification Orders that had been referred to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS). Several Definitive Map Modification Orders were listed, including applications to upgrade footpaths K15 and K36 to bridleways, and to add public footpaths K110, Z121, and W134 in various locations. The status of these applications, including whether they had been sent to PINS and any indication of determination timescales, was scheduled for review.

Information was expected regarding order M1038, concerning the addition of a footpath at Reads Close, which was confirmed as modified to a Restricted Byway by PINS on 20th October 2025, with the Certificate of Confirmation received on 1st October 2026. This case was scheduled to close after a six-week objection period. Information was also expected regarding order M545, for the addition of Right of Way D108, which had an interim decision from the Inspector suggesting it be a Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) rather than a Restricted Byway, with a modification advertised in May 2026 and awaiting a final decision from PINS.

Several Public Path Diversion Orders were also scheduled for discussion. These included an Extinguishment Order and Deed of Dedication for Bridleway U16 and Public Footpath U17 at Earl Shilton, with a PINS Inspector due to carry out a site inspection. A diversion of Footpath I63A at Ratcliffe on Soar was also listed, with a site inspection due in August. The diversion of Footpath A96 at Smeeton Westerby, sent to PINS in July 2026, was also on the agenda, with no indication of determination timescales yet received.

Additionally, the forum was scheduled to note a decision from a Development Control and Regulatory Board (DCRB) meeting on 8th October 2026 regarding an application to upgrade part of Public Footpath F18 to a bridleway at Goadby Marwood. The board determined that an order should not be made, as they were not satisfied that the evidence showed the section of F18 ought to be shown as a bridleway.

Draft Public Rights of Way Hierarchy and Inspection Regime

A significant item on the agenda was the proposed Public Rights of Way Hierarchy and Inspection Regime. This document was scheduled to outline a risk-based approach to the inspection and maintenance of Leicestershire's public rights of way network, aligning with the principles of the Well-Managed Highway Infrastructure Code of Practice¹. The proposed hierarchy categorises routes into three tiers: PROW1 (Urban Access Routes), PROW2 (Community and Visitor Routes), and PROW3 (Local Access Routes), with differing inspection frequencies for each. The report was also scheduled to detail defect response times, categorised by priority from Emergency to Low Risk, and outline maintenance responsibilities, clarifying that the presence or condition of surfacing does not automatically indicate public maintenance responsibility. The report highlighted that the most frequent types of reports received over the past 12 months related to stiles, overhanging vegetation, and surface vegetation.

Reports from Committees/Working Groups

The forum was scheduled to receive updates from committees and working groups. Ms Vicky Allen (VA) was scheduled to provide a report from the Planning and Travel Committee, including an update on Stretton Hall SUE² and Isley SUE³. The previous minutes indicated that efforts were being made to ensure public rights of way and bridleways were considered in development master plans, with challenges noted regarding multiple developers and the need for holistic access solutions. A closed footpath off Beveridge Lane in Ellistown was also discussed, with plans to be circulated. A sub-group was previously agreed to be formed to look at the detail of proposals for Stretton Hall, with an invitation to Urban & Civic (the developers) and SLR consultants to attend an early meeting.

Reports from Outside Bodies

Mr Roy Denney (RD) and Mr John Howells (JH) were scheduled to provide a report from the Charnwood Forest Regional Park⁴. Previous discussions indicated that the Geopark was awaiting final approval from international inspectors, with formal international status expected by the end of the following year. The need for digital overlays for mapping the Geopark border suitable for GIS use was raised, along with the appropriateness of installing way markers at the Geopark border and the negotiation of permissive paths within the park.

Matters Arising

Under Matters Arising, the forum was scheduled to revisit the topic of Local Government Reorganisation. Previous discussions noted that an announcement was expected in July and that primary legislation would be required to change the cut-off date for recording rights of way, with current correspondence from Defra indicating no imminent legislative action. The cut-off date was set to be 1st January 2031 unless deferred.

Inspection Programme and MMAIP Areas

Mr Edwin McWilliam (EM) was scheduled to present the Inspection Programme and updates on MMAIP (Multimodal Areas Improvement Plan) areas. Previous discussions had highlighted substantial new funding from local transport and sustainable travel grants, potentially doubling the annual review budget and enabling expanded path improvement programmes. The MMAIP was described as looking at areas across service provisions, such as buses, public rights of way, and carriageway and footway work, to tie together a series of improvements that encourage more sustainable travel.