The County Durham Local Access Forum was scheduled to discuss a range of issues concerning public access to land, including national infrastructure projects, local walking and cycling routes, and the management of council-owned land. The meeting agenda also included updates on partnerships, health initiatives, and the forum's work programme.

A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project

The forum was scheduled to receive an update on the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project. Previous discussions indicated that contractors were working with limited flexibility for changes to the approved scheme. The project involves improvements to the A66, a major road connecting the north of England. The Pennine Way, a long-distance footpath, was noted to be largely unaffected, with only a slight diversion planned for the Bowes Loop to accommodate surface water drainage.

Stockton and Darlington Railway Walking and Cycling Routes

An update was expected on the walking and cycling routes associated with the Stockton and Darlington Railway. This historic route, significant for the bicentenary of the railway, spans 26 miles, with approximately 14-15 miles within County Durham. Negotiations with landowners were ongoing to complete sections of the route, with additional surfacing works planned for West Auckland. The potential development of accessible circular routes branching off the main line was also to be explored.

North Pennines National Landscape Partnership

The forum was scheduled to receive an update on the North Pennines National Landscape Partnership, following a meeting of its Access and Recreation Working Group and the Pennine National Trails Northern Working Group. Discussions from the previous meeting of these groups included the launch of the new Roof of England Walk, which features detailed route information and GPS files. Concerns were raised about changes to booking policies at Langdon Beck and Alston Youth Hostels, which had moved to group-only bookings, potentially limiting access for solo walkers. The group also discussed developments in accessible gates and the use of off-road mobility scooters, noting the availability of hire schemes and the potential for these vehicles to significantly improve accessibility on rough terrain. The minutes of the 21 November 2025 meeting of these groups were also to be noted.

Public Access to Council-owned Land

An update was anticipated regarding public access to council-owned land. Previous discussions had indicated that a meeting with relevant councillors had been postponed due to changes in Cabinet Portfolios. A briefing note had been provided to summarise the history of the forum's work on this issue and the council's response. Further meetings with councillors were planned.

Environmental Land Management Schemes

The forum was scheduled to receive an update on Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMs). Previous information suggested an ongoing scheme had reached the funding stage but was subsequently withdrawn, with no further updates available at that time. ELMs are government schemes designed to support farmers in managing their land for environmental benefit.

Update from Rights of Way Team (including Lost Ways)

An update from the Senior Rights of Way Officer was expected, covering the activities of the Rights of Way Team. This included information on Definitive Map Modification Orders, with new claims emerging in areas such as Burnhope. Objections had been received for orders at Trimdon Station and Sleighthome Road, which were to be referred to the Planning Inspectorate. A public inquiry was scheduled for 22 April 2026 regarding Watergate Lane in Crook, concerning an order to upgrade a footpath to a bridleway, which had been contested by the landowner.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) 4 - Annual Monitoring

The forum was scheduled to receive an update on the annual monitoring of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) 4. This would include examples of surfacing improvements and accessibility enhancements across the county, such as work at Chester-le-Street riverside, Teesdale boardwalk repairs, and the Stanhope, Weardale Way. New bridleways had also been dedicated on council-owned land at Sacriston Woods. Funding had also supported works within the Durham Green Corridor project, with improvements including the replacement of stiles with kissing gates.

Northern Saints Trails

An update was scheduled to be provided on the Northern Saints Trails.

Health

An update was to be received from the Healthy Weight Alliance Group meeting held on 13 January 2026.

Heritage Coast Annual Forum Event

The forum was scheduled to receive an update following the Heritage Coast Annual Forum Event held on 29 October 2025.

Work Programme

The forum was to consider and update its Work Programme, including the allocation of responsibilities. The previous work programme was noted as not being fit for purpose, and a review was to be undertaken in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair. The current work programme includes topics such as responding to DCC consultations, involvement in the Bright Water Landscape Project, the Coast Path Partnership, and liaising with DCC officers.

Natural England Presentation

Christine Pope from Natural England was scheduled to give a presentation to the forum. This follows a previous discussion where members expressed a desire to hear from Natural England regarding their general activities, following a recent restructure and strategy.

Active Travel North East

An update on Active Travel North East was scheduled.

Membership Update

The forum was to receive an update on its membership, noting the recent appointment of Councillor Karen Allinson, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Tourism, Regeneration and High Street.

Member Training

Discussions were scheduled regarding member training. This included the invitation for a representative from Natural England to attend the next meeting and the potential for training on the statutory planning process. The formation of a new group in Weardale to coordinate local paths and longer-distance routes was also discussed, with training considered valuable for understanding the group's purpose. The possibility of inviting the County Durham Association for Local Councils to a future meeting was also to be explored.