The Leicestershire Local Access Forum was scheduled to discuss updates on various rights of way matters, including the progress of orders, the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP), and the potential for new priority areas. The meeting's report pack also detailed discussions on specific sites, reports from committees and outside bodies, and correspondence.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) and Action Plan

A significant item on the agenda was an update on the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) and its associated action plan. The report pack indicated that the Local Access Forum (LAF) members would be required to approve the action plan annually and provide input on expenditure and funding priorities. Concerns were raised regarding the safety of public rights of way where they cross carriageways, with a suggestion to form a sub-group to address these issues. The discussion highlighted the challenges of justifying investment in low-usage but dangerous crossings and the need for statistical evidence. The importance of consulting with Parish Councils regarding significant pathways and landowners about maintaining permissive paths was also emphasised. The report pack noted that neighbourhood plans are reviewed by the council, and activists should ensure future plans adequately address rights of way. Challenges in securing funding for rural rights of way improvements and the potential for parish councils to raise funds through precepts were also discussed. The statutory powers of Parish Councils under the Highways Act 1980¹ to carry out works on footpaths and bridleways were highlighted, with encouragement for greater parish involvement.

Orders Update and Specific Cases

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on various orders, including the Worthington Link. The report pack detailed the status of several modification order cases:

• Slawston: The case was noted as determined in favour of adding a route as a restricted byway, but administrative delays at the Planning Inspectorate were mentioned due to misplaced paperwork.
• Nanpanton Case: This case was noted as being prepared for submission to the Planning Inspectorate, with evidence from objectors and user questionnaires being considered.
• Claybrook Parva: An objection was noted against the addition of a Restricted Byway, citing unnecessary restrictions in the drafted order.
• Oadby: Local residents were noted as objecting to the addition of a public footpath, arguing it was unnecessary and would lead to antisocial behaviour.

Both the Claybrook Parva and Oadby cases were noted as scheduled to be referred to the Planning Inspectorate. The report pack also mentioned a master list of outstanding cases managed on an Excel spreadsheet, which a volunteer group uses for research and surveys. A discussion was planned regarding the potential for updating the online system for tracking rights of way applications and their progress.

Committee and Working Group Reports

Reports were expected from various committees and working groups. Ms Vicky Allen, Chair of the Leicestershire Local Access Forum, was to lead a discussion on the Planning and Travel Committee, including the need for a new working group. Specific sites mentioned were:

• Stretton Hall SUE: This refers to a proposed Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) at Stretton Hall. SUEs are areas identified for significant new housing development.
• Isley SUE: Similarly, this refers to a proposed Sustainable Urban Extension at Isley.

The report pack indicated that the Isley Woodhouse New Town was still under review, and Stretton Hall had not been selected as a government site, though prior work on these sites might be useful in the future. The importance of engaging with planning applications at the earliest possible stage was stressed.

The report pack also mentioned the Unrecorded Ways working group, with Mr Roy Denney providing an update. It was noted that this group had ceased to function effectively after the deadline for claiming footpaths was abandoned in practice, leaving the status of many paths in flux. Mr Roy Denney was thanked for his contributions to the working groups.

Reports from Outside Bodies

The Charnwood Forest Regional Park was scheduled to be discussed, with Mr Roy Denney and Mr John Howells expected to provide an update. The report pack reiterated the process for Geopark status, with Mr Denney continuing as the representative on this group. Mr Michael Miller was acknowledged as the Forum's representative for the Community Archaeology Group, and Mr Peter Williams was nominated as a potential representative for the Wildlife Trust Committee.

Other Matters

The meeting was also scheduled to address Matters Arising from the previous meeting, including the Geopark initiative and Local Government Reorganisation. Mr Edwin McWilliam, Access Manager, was expected to provide an update on Local Government Reorganisation, stating there was no new information.

Correspondence received by Ms Vicky Allen from the Department for Transport (DfT) regarding a footpath alongside Barrow Hill Farm in Kirby Muxloe was also to be discussed.

Finally, the Leicestershire County Council Local Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) was to be discussed, with Mr McWilliam reporting on multimodal infrastructure plans and seeking the Forum's engagement. An update on overdue area surveys of open access areas was also planned.