The Buckinghamshire Local Access Forum's meeting scheduled for Wednesday 8 July 2026 was intended to cover a range of topics concerning the county's rights of way network. Discussions were planned to include the Rights of Way Improvement Plan, capital spending for network maintenance, and the promotion of outdoor access through a new mobile application. The meeting was also expected to include updates on major infrastructure projects and a review of the National Planning Policy Framework.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2020-2030

Discussions were scheduled regarding the Buckinghamshire Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) for Years 2-5. The plan outlines the council's efforts to meet statutory duties and enhance the public rights of way network, addressing challenges such as infrastructure projects, contractor performance, and increased public reporting. Potential achievements to be noted included resolving map anomalies, expanding accessible infrastructure, and developing strategic walking and cycling routes like the Buckinghamshire Greenway and Misbourne Greenway. The plan was also to highlight ongoing issues such as rising maintenance backlogs and the suspension of annual condition surveys. Recommendations were to be considered, including improving contractor management, reinstating surveys, enhancing digital information, maximising planning contributions, supporting under-represented groups, and building on volunteer collaboration. The report was also to detail financial contributions secured through planning applications for active travel improvements, including sums for the Chalfont and St Peter Motorway Service Area and the Iver Data Centre.

Capital Spend 2026/27

The forum was scheduled to consider proposals for capital spending on the rights of way network for the 2026/27 financial year. A six-month secondment was planned to facilitate expenditure from the rights of way capital budget, focusing on surface improvements, drainage works, structures, and general accessibility upgrades. Specific schemes were to be discussed, including surfacing works on various footpaths and bridleways, drainage interventions, and steps and access improvements. The programme was to be prioritised based on network condition, safety, drainage issues, user demand, and delivery feasibility, with coordination with external stakeholders and funding opportunities. Members were to be invited to provide feedback on the proposed priorities and any known local concerns.

Outdoor Active Mobile Application

A key item on the agenda was the proposed procurement of the enterprise version of the Outdoor Active mobile application to promote the county's network of promoted routes, greenways, and cycleways. This initiative aims to provide a user-friendly platform for residents and visitors to discover and navigate these routes, with an included Ordnance Survey licence offering access to detailed maps. The application would also feature public transport information, accessibility details, and potentially heat maps to analyse route usage. The estimated cost was around £20,000 for the first year, with subsequent annual costs of approximately £9,000. This project was seen as a way to improve the council's current offering and support objectives related to mapping the network, maintaining it, and promoting its use for health, wellbeing, and tourism.

Chiltern Society Joint Meeting

The forum was to receive an update on a joint meeting with the Chiltern Society. Discussions were scheduled to cover proposed increases to volunteer rates, the Chiltern Society's potential involvement with the Outdoor Active application, and strategies for maximising the work of Path Maintenance Volunteers (PMVs). The meeting was also expected to address the distribution of waymark discs and the council's intention to include Chiltern Society volunteers in the upcoming Best Value Performance Indicator (BVPI) surveys. Concerns were also to be raised regarding instances of paths being ploughed or obstructed by crops, with information on the council's enforcement policy to be provided.

Rights of Way Group Update

An update from the Rights of Way Group was scheduled, covering the status of Definitive Map Modification applications. These applications, which aim to record or change the legal status of public rights of way, are processed chronologically but prioritised under specific circumstances, such as when user evidence is strong or when development threatens a claimed route. The report was to detail numerous applications across various parishes, including those previously determined, under investigation, and awaiting investigation. Significant infrastructure projects, including the expansion of Heathrow Airport and the East West Rail project, were also to be discussed in relation to their potential impacts on the rights of way network. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) revisions, which aim to strengthen policy supporting improvements to rights of way, were also on the agenda.

Other Scheduled Discussions

The meeting was also to include a moment in memory of Tom Bindoff, who was recognised for his pioneering work in outdoor accessibility. Discussions were also scheduled regarding the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 2025, which introduced major reforms to protect farm animals from dog attacks. Updates on National Trust access improvements, including the replacement of gates with more accessible options, were also planned. The forum was to be informed about the progress of the East West Rail project and the impacts of HS2 construction on the rights of way network. Finally, the provisional dates for future meetings were to be confirmed.