The County Durham Local Access Forum was scheduled to discuss a range of national and regional issues impacting access to the countryside, alongside updates on local rights of way and access projects. The meeting's agenda also included a review of the Forum's work programme and future plans.

National/Regional Issues

A significant portion of the scheduled discussion was dedicated to national and regional matters. This included the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project, where updates were expected regarding ongoing discussions between Highways and council officers concerning potential closures and diversions. The report pack indicated that no further consultation had been issued to the Local Access Forum (LAF) at that stage, and there was no anticipated opportunity to revisit previously agreed access provisions.

The Forum was also set to receive an update on Active Travel North East, although no specific details were provided in the agenda regarding the content of this update. Similarly, Environmental Land Management Schemes were listed for discussion, but no further information was available on what would be covered.

Rights of Way and Local Access Updates

Updates from the Rights of Way Team were scheduled, including information on Lost Ways. H Barber, Senior Rights of Way Officer, was expected to provide details on Definitive Map Modification Orders, noting that Footpath 167 Wolsingham was open and signed, with minor tree-planting issues to be addressed. Two bridleways at St John's Chapel had been confirmed, and a new footpath at West Rainton had been agreed by the Highways Committee. The report pack also mentioned that Watergate Lane would be proceeding to a Public Inquiry in April, and a number of Definitive Map Modification Orders were being referred to the Planning Inspectorate, including routes at Barnard Castle, Spennymoor, and Trimdon. An increase in applications linked to development proposals, such as solar farms and housing, and more user-evidence-based claims were also noted.

Mike Ogden, Access and Rights of Way Team Leader, was due to provide an update on the Stockton and Darlington Railway Walking and Cycling Routes, noting that the project was nearing completion with one final landowner issue to resolve.

The Northern Saints Trails were also on the agenda, with an update expected on proposals for 'The Way of Hope' which had been agreed in principle for alignment with the Northern Saints Trail structure, pending further clarity on detailed implementation and governance.

Regarding Public Access to Council-owned Land, the report pack indicated that a meeting had taken place in December 2025 with Councillor T McGuiness and K Allison. Although neither were in attendance to provide an update, Mike Ogden was expected to advise that discussions with Members had been positive and a follow-up would be made.

The North Pennines National Landscape Partnership was also scheduled for an update, with the Forum expected to note the minutes of the last meeting held on 21 November 2025, which both Mike Ogden and M Knipe had attended.

Work Programme and Future Planning

A significant item on the agenda was the consideration and update of the Forum's Work Programme. The report pack indicated that amendments were to be made, including the removal of Brightwater as the project was complete, and the removal of Regional Liaison as it was no longer facilitated by Natural England. The status of the Cycling & Walking Delivery Plan with Active Travel was to be checked, and the A66 project was to be retained for oversight due to its potential future impact. The Forum was also presented with details of the Open Space Needs Assessment, and members agreed that the consultation form should be circulated to allow members to respond.

The Forum was also scheduled to discuss Member Training and potential Site Visit Locations. Following a suggestion at the previous meeting, a representative from the County Durham Association of Local Councils (CDALC) was confirmed to attend the October meeting to discuss their role and opportunities for raising awareness of rights-of-way issues at a parish level, including the potential use of parish council funds for local access improvements.

Other Discussions

An update relating to the Stanhope Countryside Access Working Group (SCAWG) was provided by Mr D Towndrow. He noted that initial training had been attended by 14 people, further volunteer sessions had been held successfully, and the next session was planned for March, weather permitting. Information about the group was available on their website, weardale.co.uk.

The meeting was also scheduled to receive an update on Health, with H Barber, Senior Rights of Way Officer, expected to report on recent discussions focusing on diet, screen time, and family influences, as well as energy drink restrictions for under-16s. It was noted that while these discussions had few direct links to rights of way, physical activity continued to feature indirectly.

The Forum was also to note that A Johnson and T Bolton had attended the recent Heritage Coast Annual Forum Event, and positive feedback was received. Presentations from this event were to be circulated to the Forum for information.