Agenda and minutes

CF welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies were received from John Howells, Peter Williams, Alex Pyper, George Keeping, Mike Bates, Mike Gamble and Ed McWilliam.

The members confirmed that there were no declarations of interest.

AJ reported that the Leicestershire Highway Design Guide (LHDG) deals with highways and infrastructure for new developments in areas for which LCC is the highway authority.

The LHDG needs updating following changes to national policy and guidance and a particular focus is required on the Council’s approach to facilitating active travel and environmental sustainability of existing and newly adopted highways.  In addition the Authority is undertaking a detailed review of the commuted sums schedule and LHDG policy.  The Government’s introduction of Local Transport Note (LTN) will be based on this.  It was noted that the new LHDG needs to be carefully framed so as not to put undue pressure on already stretched maintenance budgets.  AJ explained that LCC’s commitment to Net Zero will also be integrated into the new LHDG. 

Discussion took place on the cycling and walking strategy within the LHDG and feedback from the attendees was noted on:

·       Vulnerable road users i.e. horse riders should not be excluded

·       Utilising grass verges for walkers.

·       Different types of surfacing for both – permeable for sustainability.

·       Installation of cycle ways should be looked at as not used as much as was expected.

·       Developers to be asked to use red paint instead of blue for highways.

AJ took on board the comments made for the active travel section of the LHDG.  AJ reported that a public consultation would run from the end of June for 6 weeks.  AJ to ensure the LLAF is included in this consultation and a link to the consultation shared.

JL introduced himself to the meeting as the Head Ranger and Country Parks Team Leader.  JL gave an overview of the country parks in Leicestershire and how they operate and are staffed by 13 rangers and have 150 volunteers.  JL explained about the consultation that took place on by-laws and the purpose of the Tree Management Strategy.

It was pointed out that the LLAF had previously been involved in the formation of management strategies for the parks and would again like to be consulted when any are reviewed or revised.

CF thanked JL for his overview and both parties agreed to keep in contact to work together particularly as the ROW network is an important leisure resource which can take the visitor pressure off the busier country parks, in particular by linking them with smaller access areas.

The minutes of the meeting held on 25 January 2024 were agreed, subject to the following amendment:

Page 3, Lost and Unrecorded Ways, third paragraph should read ‘VA recorded that there ………information’.

MM advised the complete multi-page submission made to the NWL local plan on areas affecting the RoW had been published in full.

·       Unrecorded Ways Project Report      (RD)

·       BHS Routes Status Project Report    (VA)

·       Planning & Travel Sub-Group            (RD)

·       Charnwood Forest                            (RD)

Unrecorded Ways Project Report

No update at this stage.

BHS Routes Status Project Report

Access via BHS Website

Planning & Travel Sub-Group

Noted the NWL and Blaby District Local Plans that were circulated with the agenda.

Charnwood Forest

RD stated that the project was slightly behind.  Extension is likely to be given by the Lottery Board.

PL reported that work was continuing on this.

AJ confirmed that this was still with the consultants.  A special meeting was held with the consultants to consider routes.

PL confirmed that, as far as he was aware, this was still with the consultants. 

PL gave an update on Slawston.  The second Inspector’s decision was that the whole of the route should be added to the Definitive Map as a Restricted Byway.  As this decision has now been challenged a new hearing or second Inquiry may be required.  PL reported that the Planning Inspectorate recently declined to confirm a Rutland County Council Definitive Map Modification Order upgrading Footpath B85 to a bridleway. B85 crosses the Rutland county boundary in to Leicestershire where it is recorded as a bridleway, so sadly, this decision prejudices Leicestershire horse riders who will not be able to use the whole of the path from Cold Overton Parish to Langham.

No update on this.

Foothpath M60

Discussion took place regarding the footpath (M60) that crosses Ashby School’s playing field to the industrial estate.  Ashby School fenced off the path due to safety concerns.  Pre-consultation exercises were carried out to which all parties objected to the extinguishment of the footpath.  The LLAF agreed not to support the extinguishment of Footpath M60 and CF agreed to respond on behalf of LLAF to Samantha Ireson in the Rights of Way Team.

Wednesday 11 September 2024, 2.00 pm

Wednesday 11 September 2024 at 2.00 pm at County Hall.

Wednesday 8 January 2025 at 2.00 pm

Dates for Working Groups:

Under review in September