The Leicestershire Local Access Forum met on Wednesday 8 January 2025, re-electing Chris Faircliffe and Roy Denney as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively. A key focus of the meeting was an update on the Charnwood Forest Landscape Partnership Scheme, which is set to continue until December 2026 with lottery funding and partner contributions. Discussions also covered the ongoing work on the Highway Design Guide, the complexities of planning applications affecting public rights of way, and the future of committees dealing with unrecorded and lost ways.

Charnwood Forest Project Progress

Julie Attard, Charnwood Forest Development Manager, provided an update on the Charnwood Forest Landscape Partnership Scheme. This lottery-funded project, extended to December 2026, aims to support work on the public rights of way network and encourage exploration of the natural environment. Key developments include progress on Charnwood Trails and plans for accessibility mapping of at least five routes. The project is seeking volunteers to survey the public rights of way network within the Charnwood Forest Geopark. Mrs. Sue Bicknall and Mr. Michael Gamble offered their assistance, with Mrs. Bicknall reviewing existing rambler walks. Ms. Jessica Herbert, Sustainable Travel Manager, invited Ms. Attard to the Local Cycling, Walking and Wheeling Forum in March to recruit more volunteers. The long-term sustainability of the Charnwood Forest Geopark was also discussed, with plans for guided and self-guided cycle rides. Mr. Mike Bates expressed interest in assisting with the cycle rides.

Concerns were raised about unofficially diverted public rights of way (PROWs) during the forest's development. Mr. Roy Denney suggested officially naming a path the Stan Warren Way in memory of a long-time advocate for PROWs, a proposal fully supported by Ms. Attard and Mr. Edwin McWilliam, Access Manager. Mr. McWilliam also discussed the promotion of the park's spine route and potential naming themes, with Ms. Attard suggesting the Steering Group consider referencing Tina Negus, an early discoverer of the Charnwood Fossil. Mrs. Bicknall highlighted the need to promote Castle Hill Country Park, noting that many local residents are unaware of its existence. Ms. Attard expressed willingness to re-engage with the City Council on a joint focus project for the park. Mr. Michael Miller reported on archaeological excavation work at the park by the University and successful open days. Mr. Denney suggested creating more wet woodland habitats in the park's lower reaches.

Planning and Development Concerns

The Forum discussed several planning-related issues. Mr. Michael Miller reported on the emerging Stretton Hall Estate development proposals, noting that a QGIS project mapping development plans revealed approximately 500 archaeological sites in the area, which could have significant implications for any new town or estate. Mr. Miller also proposed convening a working party for new towns, as Stretton Hall was not the only proposed development, with Isley Woodhouse also identified.

The issue of Lost Ways and the backlog of modification orders due to changes in legislation was raised. Mr. Denney reported submitting a response to Andy Jackson regarding the Highway Design Guide, but had not yet received a formal reply. Mr. Edwin McWilliam stated he had contacted Mr. Jackson. The Forum agreed that emails regarding the backlog of modification orders and the Chief Executive's response should be formally recorded and shared. A presentation handout with additional information for interpreting maps and QGIS screen-prints will be circulated. Mr. Miller questioned whether the County Council had submitted a response to the Government's New Towns Taskforce consultation and requested sight of it if so. Mr. McWilliam agreed to follow this up.

Mr. Roy Denney reported on evidence gathered for a path from Groby through Lawn Wood, which is widely used but lacks official public right of way status. Mr. Piers Lindley, Senior Access Development Officer, was unaware of a cut-off date for user evidence and will investigate further with Mr. Denney.

Rights of Way and Infrastructure

The Forum discussed the maintenance of public rights of way. Mrs. Sue Bicknall inquired about volunteer footpath maintenance, and Mr. Edwin McWilliam confirmed that Ms. Ellen Senior was coordinating volunteer recruitment and would present on Health and Safety at the next meeting to explain necessary documentation and training. Ms. Jessica Herbert noted that the Choose How You Move website would be updated, potentially including a section for advertising walks, to be discussed at the next meeting.

Regarding Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plans, Ms. Herbert reported a second round of consultation for Leicester North and Melton towards the end of the year, with the Forum offering its expertise.

The Forum also discussed the role of the Unrecorded Ways Sub-Group, with Mr. Denney suggesting it could transition into a discussion group for new town initiatives, though Mr. McWilliam emphasised the continuing need for discussions on unrecorded and lost ways. The committee will continue to meet to discuss record-keeping, system simplification, and future work. Mr. McWilliam explained that proposed government legislation to cancel the cut-off date for PROWs would provide more time to assess paths for inclusion on the definitive map. He also noted that while local authorities determine such cases, new claims continue to arrive. Mr. McWilliam suggested a meeting to discuss these matters further, potentially using the Lost Ways Committee as a transitional stage. Mr. Denney and Mr. McWilliam will arrange a date for this meeting.

Other Matters

The Forum re-elected Mr. Chris Faircliffe as Chair and Mr. Roy Denney as Vice-Chair. Mr. Faircliffe encouraged other members to consider taking on these roles in the future. Discussions also took place regarding recruitment to the Forum, with efforts underway to raise its profile and use various channels for recruitment.

Mrs. Sue Bicknall raised concerns about communal areas on new developments, managed by landscape management companies, and the need for clarification on private versus public spaces. Mrs. Bicknall will share specifics with Mr. Lindley, who will investigate. Standing items such as 'Correspondence' and 'Orders Update' will be included on every Forum agenda. Mr. McWilliam will check the structure of the Forum concerning County Councillors. Mr. Brian Sutton raised issues concerning the condition of grass verges and developers' fencing practices.

The Forum agreed to continue with the Planning and Travel Committee, with Mr. Denney remaining as Chair. The Unrecorded Ways Sub-Group will also continue, with Mr. Denney as Chair. Mr. Denney and Ms. Herbert will continue their involvement with the Charnwood Forest Regional Park, which will become a Geopark. Mr. Miller and Mr. Bates are representatives on the Community Archaeology Group.

Future meeting dates were confirmed as Wednesday 9 April 2025, Wednesday 27 August 2025, Wednesday 26 November 2025, and Wednesday 7 January 2026, all at 2.00 pm.