Here is a summary of the Leicestershire Local Access Forum meeting scheduled for Wednesday 17 September 2025. The agenda included a presentation on the Charnwood Forest Geopark, updates on the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP), and discussions on proposed new town developments. The forum was also scheduled to discuss reports from its committees and working groups.

Isley Woodhouse and Stretton Hall New Town Proposals

The Leicestershire Local Access Forum was scheduled to discuss the proposed new town developments at Isley Woodhouse and Stretton Hall. The minutes of the previous meeting on 8 January 2025, included in the Public Reports Pack, show that Mr Michael Miller, Archaeology Field Workers / Walkers, had previously queried whether Leicestershire County Council had submitted an application to the government's New Town Taskforce¹.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP)

The forum was scheduled to receive an update on the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) and feedback from consultations. The previous meeting on 9 April 2025 included a presentation from Mr Edwin McWilliam, Access Manager, who explained that:

since 2002 Highways Authorities in England are required to prepare and publish a Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP). The plan explains how the local authority intends to make improvements to the public rights of way network in Leicestershire and how it will provide a better experience for users such as walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Mr McWilliam noted that the plan required updating to take into account current legislation, guidance, policies, strategies and future management. The consultation for the ROWIP included an online survey and the use of Social Pinpoint, a map-based online engagement tool.

Charnwood Forest Geopark Presentation

Dr Jack Matthews, Geoheritage Conservation and Interpretation Officer for Charnwood Forest Geopark, was scheduled to give a presentation. Charnwood Forest Geopark is a landscape in north-west Leicestershire with ancient rocks and a wide variety of wildlife.

Reports from Committees/Working Groups

The agenda included reports from the Planning and Travel Committee, and the Unrecorded Ways group, with Councillor Roy Denney, Blaby District Council, scheduled to present on behalf of both. The minutes of the previous meeting noted that the Planning and Travel Committee had discussed proposed closures of public rights of way that cross railway crossings in the Bardon Hill area. Network Rail had argued that new housing developments would increase the risk of incidents on the crossings. Mr Michael Miller shared a map highlighting preliminary planning for the extinguishment of a crossing at N60. Councillor Roy Denney had commented that there was little or no risk due to the low frequency and speed of trains. Mr Edwin McWilliam confirmed that Leicestershire County Council had not been approached with any proposal to divert or permanently close the routes.