The Leicestershire Local Access Forum met on Wednesday 20 May 2026 to discuss various matters concerning public rights of way and access. Key discussions included the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) action plan, proposals for the Stretton Hall development, and updates on various orders.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP)

The Forum discussed the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) and its associated action plan. The action plan requires annual approval by Forum members and outlines specific intentions for the coming years, involving input from members regarding expenditure and the prioritisation of funding. The Forum also discussed ongoing concerns about the safety of public rights of way where they cross carriageways, highlighting the need for improved signage and infrastructure. Members discussed the challenges of justifying investment in low-usage but dangerous crossings and the need for statistical evidence. The importance of consulting Parish Councils on significant pathways and landowners about maintaining permissive paths was also emphasised.

Stretton Hall and Isley Woodhouse Developments

The Forum reviewed the status of the Stretton Hall and Isley Woodhouse developments, noting their inclusion in local plans and the importance of rights of way considerations in planning reviews. Edwin McWilliam, Access Manager, outlined efforts to ensure public rights of way and bridleways are considered in development master plans, acknowledging the challenges posed by multiple developers and the need for holistic access solutions. A closed footpath off Beveridge Lane in Ellistown was also discussed, with Piers Lindley, Senior Access Development Officer, and Mike Miller tasked with circulating a plan to clarify its intended route. It was agreed to form a sub-group, convened by Vicky Allen, Chair of the Forum, to examine the proposals for Stretton Hall in detail. This sub-group will be open to all interested members and will aim to invite the developers, Urban & Civic, and SLR consultants to an early consultation meeting in June, prior to formal applications being submitted.

Charnwood Forest Geopark

Roy Denney reported that the Charnwood Forest Geopark is awaiting final approval from international inspectors, with formal international status anticipated by the end of the following year. This designation is expected to bring increased protection and funding. Mike Miller raised the need for digital overlays for mapping the Geopark border, suitable for Geographic Information System (GIS) use, which would be beneficial for identifying paths crossing the park. Mr. Miller had contacted Jack Matthews regarding this but had not yet received a response, and Mr. Denney agreed to follow up. The group also discussed the appropriateness of installing waymarkers at the Geopark border, noting that Jack Matthews had previously explained the border's intentional opacity and suggested signage would be more suitable after international designation. Discussions also touched upon the negotiation of permissive paths within the Geopark, the challenges of getting them onto Ordnance Survey maps, and the limitations of formalising transient paths.

Orders Update

Piers Lindley provided updates on several modification order cases. The Slawston case is awaiting a sealed copy of the order from the Planning Inspectorate. The Nanpanton case is being prepared for submission to the Planning Inspectorate, with evidence from both objectors and user questionnaires being considered. An objection has been lodged against the addition of a Restricted Byway at Claybrook Parva, citing unnecessary restrictions in the drafted order. Similarly, the addition of a public footpath at Oadby has been objected to by local residents due to concerns about it being unnecessary and potentially causing antisocial behaviour. Both the Claybrook Parva and Oadby cases are being referred to the Planning Inspectorate. Mr. Denney inquired about a list of outstanding cases that could be assisted by the Forum, the Ramblers, or the Leicestershire Footpath Association (LFA). Mr. Lindley mentioned a volunteer group conducting research and surveys of claimed routes, who are allocated cases from a master list. He agreed to share this master list with members and to consult with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to review and potentially update the online system for tracking rights of way applications.

Local Government Reorganisation

Edwin McWilliam confirmed that an announcement regarding local government reorganisation was expected in July. He also addressed a question about the legislative cut-off date for footpaths, explaining that primary legislation would be required to change it. Current correspondence from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) indicated no imminent legislative action, and the cut-off date would be 1 January 2031 unless deferred by the Secretary of State.

Other Matters

The Forum discussed the need for improved maintenance of grass verges and safer walking conditions, with Edwin McWilliam confirming bids for funding to test verge improvements for walkers. The responsibilities for hedge cutting were clarified, with landowners being responsible for hedge maintenance, while grass verges fall under the County Council's remit. The Council's postcard scheme for encouraging hedge trimming was also mentioned.

The Forum agreed to form a sub-group to look at the detail of proposals for Stretton Hall, to be convened by Vicky Allen. It was suggested that inviting Urban & Civic and SLR consultants to an early sub-group consultation meeting in June would be beneficial.

The next Forum meeting was scheduled for Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 2.00 pm.