The Leicestershire Local Access Forum met on Wednesday 17 September 2025 to discuss updates on the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP), reports from committees, and correspondence. The ROWIP and its associated action plan, which is now in operation for the next ten years, were noted as having been approved at a previous meeting. A discussion took place regarding the safety of public rights of way where they cross carriageways, including the need for signage and infrastructure at road crossings, and the potential formation of a sub-group to address these issues was suggested.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) Update and Consultation Feedback

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP). Edwin McWilliam, Access Manager, explained that the plan, which outlines how Leicestershire intends to improve its public rights of way network for users such as walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, required updating to align with current government legislation, policies, and strategies. The Forum had previously engaged in consultation, including an online survey and a mapped-based engagement tool called Social Pinpoint¹, to gather feedback. A further period of engagement was planned once a draft ROWIP was developed. It was noted that the ROWIP and its associated action plan, which will be in operation for the next ten years, had been approved. The action plan, detailing specific intentions for the coming year and the decade ahead, will be shared with Forum members and will require annual approval, along with input on expenditure and funding priorities.

Reports from Committees/Working Groups

Planning and Travel Committee: Councillor Roy Denney (RD) reported on discussions concerning two railway crossings in the Bardon Hill area that Network Rail proposed to close due to increased risk from new housing developments. Forum members, including Mr Michael Miller (MM), expressed concerns that these closures would impact essential non-motorised user links between new housing estates. Mr Denney argued that the risk was low due to infrequent, timetabled, and slow-moving trains, suggesting the closures were unjustified. The Forum offered a supporting letter to the local Parish Council, which was expected to object. Edwin McWilliam confirmed that Leicestershire County Council (LCC) had not been approached with proposals for diversion or permanent closure, and any such proposals would allow for concerns to be raised through the legal process.

Land Use Policy: Councillor Roy Denney explained that the government was seeking views on its vision for land use in England. A draft Land Use Policy had been circulated, and Mr Michael Miller had prepared a summary document. The minutes do not confirm an agreement for Councillor Denney to combine these documents and submit them as a response to the consultation, which was due to close on 25 April.

Unrecorded Ways: There was no update to report on this matter.

The Isley Woodhouse New Town/The Proposed Stretton Hall New Town

Discussion took place regarding the status of the Isley Woodhouse New Town and the proposed Stretton Hall New Town. It was noted that Isley Woodhouse was still under review, and Stretton Hall had not been selected as a government site. However, prior work on these sites might prove useful in the future. Forum members emphasised the importance of engaging with planning applications at the earliest possible stage, often before formal submissions, to influence outcomes and protect local interests.

Orders Update

Piers Lindley, Senior Access Development Officer, provided updates on several modification order cases:

• Slawston: The case was determined in favour of adding a route as a restricted byway. However, administrative delays at the Planning Inspectorate, attributed to misplaced paperwork, meant the Council was still awaiting a sealed copy of the order for finalisation.
• Nanpanton Case: This case was being prepared for submission to the Planning Inspectorate, taking into account evidence from objectors and a large number of user questionnaires.
• Claybrook Parva: The addition of a Restricted Byway at Claybrook Parva faced objections on the grounds that the order was drafted with unnecessary restrictions.
• Oadby: The addition of a public footpath at Oadby was objected to by local residents, who cited it as unnecessary and likely to cause antisocial behaviour.

Both the Claybrook Parva and Oadby cases were to be referred to the Planning Inspectorate. Mr. Denney inquired about a list of outstanding cases that the Forum, the Ramblers, or the Leicestershire Footpath Association (LFA) could assist with. Mr. Lindley mentioned a volunteer group conducting research and surveys of claimed routes, with cases allocated from a master list. He agreed to share this master list with Forum members. Following discussions on online applications and case tracking, Mr. Lindley committed to consulting with ICT to review and potentially update the online system for tracking rights of way applications, considering integration with the master spreadsheet.

Update on LCC Pro-Volunteers

Two volunteer groups were assisting the rights of way team: one focused on clearance and repair, and the other on research and field surveys. The Forum discussed the potential for members to conduct further field surveys of open access land.

Representatives on Outside Bodies

• Charnwood Geopark: Councillor Roy Denney agreed to continue as a representative on the Charnwood Project. An update was provided on the application for UNESCO Geopark status, which was in its final stages.
• Community Archaeology Group: Mr Michael Miller was acknowledged as the Forum's representative for this group, recognising his contributions to walking and evidence gathering.
• Wildlife Trust Committee: Mr Peter Williams was nominated and seconded as a potential representative, subject to appropriateness and confidentiality considerations.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Edwin McWilliam stated there was no new update on LGR.

Area Surveys

A discussion took place regarding overdue area surveys of all open access areas. Edwin McWilliam would discuss this with Piers Lindley, and the subject would be added to the next meeting's agenda.

Correspondence

Vicky Allen, the newly elected Chair, outlined a letter received from the Department for Transport (DfT) concerning a footpath alongside Barrow Hill Farm in Desford Road, Kirby Muxloe. This had been shared with Piers Lindley.