The County Durham Local Access Forum met on Monday 13 April 2026 to discuss national and regional issues affecting access, receive updates from the Rights of Way Team, and review the Forum's work programme. Key discussions included the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project, Active Travel North East initiatives, and public access to council-owned land.

National/Regional Issues

The Forum received an update on the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project, with Mike Ogden, Access and Rights of Way Team Leader, reporting that discussions were ongoing between Highways and council officers regarding closures and diversions. No further consultation had been issued to the Forum, and it was not anticipated that there would be an opportunity to revisit previously agreed access provisions.

Regarding Active Travel North East, there was no update available at this time, but a further request for attendance from the Active Travel team would be made for a future meeting.

There was no update provided on Environmental Land Management Schemes.

Update from Rights of Way Team

Helen Barber, Senior Rights of Way Officer, provided an update on Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMOs). Footpath 167 Wolsingham was reported as 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.

In relation to ongoing and pending cases, Watergate Lane was proceeding to Public Inquiry in April. A number of DMMOs were being referred to the Planning Inspectorate, including routes at Barnard Castle, Spennymoor, and Trimdon. Ms Barber also noted an increase in applications linked to development proposals, such as solar farms and housing, and more user-evidence-based claims emerging where previously no issues existed.

Mike Ogden added that a public inquiry was due to begin in March relating to Burnhope Solar Farm, with the impact on Public Rights of Way (PROW) being a key reason for the council's refusal. The case was further complicated by the claim of additional unrecorded paths.

Stockton and Darlington Railway Walking and Cycling Routes

Mike Ogden provided an update on the Stockton and Darlington Railway walking and cycling routes, stating that the project was nearing completion, with one final landowner issue to resolve.

Public Access to Council-owned Land

The Forum noted that a meeting had taken place in December 2025 with Councillor T McGuiness and K Allison regarding public access to council-owned land. Neither councillor was present to provide an update, but Mike Ogden advised that the discussion with Members had been positive and a further follow-up would be made before the next meeting.

Northern Saints Trails

Mike Ogden reported that proposals for 'The Way of Hope' had been agreed in principle for alignment with the Northern Saints Trail structure, and further clarity on detailed implementation and governance was awaited.

North Pennines National Landscape Partnership

Mike Ogden provided an update on the North Pennines National Landscape Partnership, and the Forum noted the minutes of the last meeting held on 21 November 2025, which both he and M Knipe had attended.

Health

Helen Barber provided an update on health discussions, noting that the most recent focus had been on diet, screen time, and family influences, with energy drink restrictions for under-16s also discussed. She observed that these discussions had few direct links to rights of way, although physical activity featured indirectly.

Membership Update

There was no update to provide regarding membership.

Member Training / Potential Site Visit Locations

Following a suggestion at the previous meeting to invite the County Durham Association of Parish Councils to attend a future meeting, Mike Ogden confirmed that a representative from the County Durham Association of Local Councils (CDALC) would attend the October meeting of the Forum to discuss their role and opportunities for raising awareness of rights-of-way issues at parish level, including the potential use of parish council funds for local access improvements.

Work Programme

The Forum noted the work programme and the following amendments:

• Removal of Brightwater (project complete).
• Removal of Regional Liaison (no longer facilitated by Natural England).
• A check on the status of the Cycling & Walking Delivery Plan with Active Travel.
• Retention of the A66 for oversight, given its potential future impact.

The Forum was also presented with details of the Open Space Needs Assessment. Although the public consultation deadline had passed, consultants had invited a late submission from the Local Access Forum (LAF). Members agreed that the consultation form should be circulated to allow Forum members to respond if they chose.

Date, Time and Venue of Next Meeting

The next meeting was scheduled for Monday 27 July 2026, at 5.00 p.m. at County Hall, Durham.

Any Other Business

Mr D Towndrow provided an update on the Stanhope Countryside Access Working Group (SCAWG), noting that 14 people had attended initial training and further volunteer sessions had been held successfully. The next session was planned for March, weather permitting. Information about the group could be found on their website, weardale.co.uk.