Agendas, Minutes and Reports

Contact: Xanne Blythe

Direct Dial: 01934 634621

E-mail: xanne.blythe@n-somerset.gov.uk

Date: 2nd July 2003

Dear Sir or Madam

North Somerset Local Access Forum

Thursday 24th July 2003, 10.30 a.m the pavillion, silver street, sports and social club, wrington.

A meeting of the Local Access Forum will take place as indicated above. The agenda is set out overleaf. A location map is included (page 4)

Yours faithfully

Solicitor to the Council

To: Councillors: John Clark, Bob Cook, Ann Harley

Independent Members of the Forum:

Leonie Allday, Michael Amos, Barabera Bennett, Jane Brock. Terence Clements,

Sheila Dixon, James Dyer, Bernard Gray, Richard Greenland, John Harris, David Mazur,

Anthony Moulin, Timothy Raines, Tim Shapley, Robert Stephens, Claire Stuckey, Chris Weedon and Paul Wynne.

Reserved Members:

Philip Barclay, Anne Gawthorpe, Paul Harley, Edwin Hicks, Paul Humberstone,

David Hutchings, Christopher Norrish, Michael O`Sullivan, Janet Wallis, Derek Waters,

Henry Williams and Michael Kellaway-Marriott.

Somerset Access Forum Observers: Gwyn Thomas, Judith Porter .

North Somerset Officers:

Richard Broadhead Access Policy Officer, Rachel Lewis Natural Environment Co-ordinator and Fiona Robertson Democratic Services Manager.

AGENDA

1 Introduction to Meeting – Fiona Robertson, Democratic Services Manager

2 Apologies for Absence

3 Declarations of Interest

Members are asked to declare any direct or indirect personal interest (including financial) in relation to items on the agenda for this meeting and shall disclose the nature of those interests to the meeting.

4 Election of Chairman – Term of Office

5 Election of Vice-Chairman – Term of Office

6 Minutes

6.1 Local Access Forum Meeting – 24^th June 2003.

(To be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman) (see page 5)

7 Conduct of Business – Fiona Robertson, Democratic Services Manager (See page 13)

8 Calendar of Meetings to be confirmed (See Page 16 )

9 Blue Skies (North Somerset Officer to be confirmed)

10 Definitive Map Issues – Richard Broadhead, Access Policy Officer (Planning & Regulatory Committee Report to be distributed at the meeting)

11 Countryside Agency Consultation on the Country Code – Richard Broadhead, Access Policy Officer.

12 Permissive Paths Legal Issues – Richard Broadhead, Access Policy Officer.

13 Open Discussion on Countryside Access Strategy (as previously distributed in red folders)

14 Access Land Mapping Consultation

15 A.O.B.

16 Items for Next Meeting

17 Close of Meeting – Chairman

____________________________________

MOBILE PHONES, PAGERS AND SIMILAR CALLING DEVICES

All persons attending this meeting are requested to turn off these devices in accordance with the Council’s statement concerning disturbance caused by such apparatus. The Chairman may approve an exception to this request in special circumstances.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE

Leave the room by the nearest exit door. Ensure that windows are closed.

Last person out to close the door.

DO NOT stop to collect personal belongings.

DO NOT use the lifts.

FOLLOW the green and white exit signs and make your way to the car park.

DO NOT re-enter the building until authorised to do so by the Fire Authority.

GO TO THE CAR PARK

DRAFT

MINUTES

OF THE MEETING OF THE

North Somerset Local Access Forum

Tuesday 24th June 2003

HELD IN THE FUNCTION ROOM OF THE WOOLPACK INN, ST. GEORGES, WESTON-SUPER-MARE SOMERSET.

Meeting Commenced: 10.30 a.m. Meeting Concluded: 3.20 p.m.

PRESENT:

Jan Young (Acting Chairman)

INDEPENDENT MEMBERS:

Michael Amos, Jane Brock, Roy Clements, Sheila Dixon, James Dyer, Richard Greenland, John Harris, David Mazur, Anthony Moulin, Timothy Raines, Tim Shapley, Robert Stephens, Chris Weedon and Paul Wynne.

ELECTED COUNCILLORS:

John Clark, Bob Cook, Ann Harley

NORTH SOMERSET OFFICERS:

Richard Broadhead (Access Policy Officer), Xanne Blythe (Democratic Services Officer) Rachel Lewis (Natural Environment Co-ordinator) and Fiona Robertson (Democratic Services Manager)

North Somerset Officers during the afternoon session: Adrian Leonard (PROW Maintenance and Contracts Officer), Penny Price (Access Records Officer), Dave Roberts (Access Development Officer), and Neil Watson (Countryside Access Project Officer).

BY INVITATION: Tom Lewis, Countryside Agency (see minute 5 below)

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Leonie Allday, Barbara Bennett, Bernard Gray and Claire Stuckey.

LAF

The Chairman’s Introduction

Mrs Jan Young introduced herself as an ex North Somerset Councillor and Executive member for the Environment and Community. She saw the Forum acting as a liaison with the new Rights of Access and to assist North Somerset in the Improvement Plan preparation.

LAF

Summary of Independent Members’ Introductions (Agenda Item 4)

Letters would be sent to all members listing their specific LAF application interest group, as nominations for Chairman and Vice-Chairman must be taken from differing groups.

Michael Amos

Farms land at Lower Failand and Walton in Gordano, encompassing public rights of way and permissive paths. A member of the West of England Strategic Partnership (WESP) Rural Committee, which developed the rural strategy for the sub-region. Mr Amos is a member of the following Committees: Learning and Skills Council for West of England, NFU representative on North Somerset Business Forum, Taste of North Somerset, Blue Skies, Chairman of NFU West of England Development Committee and Chairman of the European Social Fund Scrutiny Committee. Aiming to see more links with rights of way and public transport, more permissive paths and information boards.

Philip Barclay

Chairman of Nailsea Town Council. Ten years of experience leading the Public Rights of Way Team on Avon County Council involving research, public inquiries, liaison with access groups and land owners. N.B. Mr Barclay as a reserve member of the LAF, was permitted to speak at the discretion of the Chairman.

Jane Brock

Involved with farming for 28 years, a keen walker and user of public footpaths. Vice-Chairman of Tickenham Parish Council and member of the National Trust.

Councillor Clark

Representing and Portishead Central (north area). Councillor Clark participates in riding in the Gordano Valley and the Quantock Hills. He has instigated funding from the North Somerset Area Budget Bidding Process for bridleway clearance and repair.

Councillor Cook

Representing Wraxall and Long Ashton ward (central area) Born in Long Ashton, with extensive experience in Forestry and Gamekeeping. A retired member of the N.F.U. and an active member of the North Somerset Agricultural Society.

Roy Clements

A semi-retired farmer and landowner having lived in Wrington all his life. A member of long standing member of Wrington Parish Council. Mr. Clements supports the idea of an integrated system of footpaths and access suitable for the modern day.

Sheila Dixon

Involvement in both dairy and beef cattle with thirty three year experience in farm management A keen member of the Bristol Ramblers with experience in local activities. A Council member of the North Somerset Agricultural Society.

Jim Dyer

A group walk organiser. Currently Ramblers Association Area Footpaths Secretary, Footpaths Secretary for Clevedon Ramblers and Footpaths Officer for the Gordano Footpath Group. An attendee of the disbanded Countryside and Rural Access Forum (CRAF) and its predecessors. Wildlife Trust member, deputy organiser for the Gordano Conservation Volunteers and assistant Warden for Walton Common. Author of the “Gordano Round” a North Somerset Council walking publication. A member of the North Weston Parish Council for eleven years, Chairman of the Gordano Footpath Group, the Gordano Society and the Portishead Residents Association. With the aim of improving the rights of way network and access.

Richard Greenland

Richard has worked for and with North Somerset Council on Environmental Projects and Public Rights of Way. A founder member of Local Agenda 21 Network.

Contributing through a general public perspective to the Local Access Forum. Aiming to secure the maximum access possible while enforcing access laws.

Councillor Anne Harley

Representing Banwell and Winscombe (south area). Mrs Harley has had an early involvement in farming. Currently Chairman of the Strawberry Line Management Committee and a member of the Cheddar Valley Railway Walk and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) A substitute member on the Mendip Hills Joint Advisory Committee and representative for North Somerset on the Levels and Moors Partnership. Aiming to increase the footpath network through consensus with the council users and landowners.

John Harris

A farmer from Kingston Seymour and Chairman of the Parish Council for a number of years. A landowner on the tidal Congresbury Yeo with an interest in the development of a coastal footpath.

David Mazur

A Cycle Coach and Fitness Instructor, runner and mountain biker. User of both bridleways and cycle paths. Partnerships with North Somerset Play Forum and Inclusion Support Service mostly with Baytree Special School. Member of the National Trust, British Cycling federation. Aiming to learn from the Local Access Forum and improve the network.

Anthony Moulin

A lifelong countryside lover, having lived in Yatton for twenty eight years. Project leader for management of part of the Strawberry Line (Cheddar Valley Railway Walk) between Yatton and Congresbury. Responsible Officer for Yatton and Congresbury Walk Action Group (YACWAG) a registered charity, signatory to a Wildlife Enhancement Agreement with English Nature and North Somerset Council Involved with Local Agenda 21. Interests lie in conservation issues and Agricultural Policies.

Timothy Raines

A member of Locking Parish Council. Member of North Somerset Land Rover Club and uses 4 x 4 routes legally. Interested in improving and upgrading byways and bridleways for responsible users.

Tim Shapley

After retirement Secretary of the National Joint Committee on Mobility for Disabled People. An avid campaigner for the rights of access for disabled network users. Chairman of the Access Co-ordinator of the Harrow Association for Disability. Concerned with mobility in all its forms.

Robert Stephens

A national member of the Trail Riders Fellowship (T.R.F.) A member of the local Axe Vale Group and the Somerset Group of the T.R.F. Interested in the extension of access for disabled users.

Paul Weedon

Access Officer responsible for the Forest of Avon, part of the national community forests initiative. Involved with a number of access projects in North Somerset, the River Avon Trail, Gordano Round, the Avon Timberland Trail (urban bike trail) Interested in contributing to a strategic approach in improving countryside recreation provision in North Somerset.

Paul Wynne

With a background, in farming and agriculture, Mr Wynne is currently a Property Manager for the National Trust`s property at Clevedon, Portishead, Failand and Leigh Woods. He has a personal interest in permanent countryside access, ensuring a balance between conservation and access.

LAF

Operation of the North Somerset Local Access Forum (Agenda Item 5)

Fiona Robertson (Democratic Services Manager

Copies of the presentation were distributed at the meeting and to members not in attendance. A copy to be placed in the minute book.

The following responses were made to questions on this presentation:

· venues to be changed for the Local Access Forum to promote local involvement;

· Forum members could request specific officer attendance;

· North Somerset chose to remain a sole Forum rather than joining with other

Local Authorities;

· questions may be put to officers for information, prior to the meeting ;

· it would not be practical to highlight all interests only direct interests;

· nominations for Chairman and Vice-Chairman were welcomed for the next

meeting 24th July 2003;

· advice from the LAF will be reported to the Planning and Regulatory Committee;

· the LAF will report on a wider view of general access rather than specific issues;

· the LAF will act as a supporting role for local consultation, not to take the place

of the parish councils consultative role;

· Somerset LAF has offered two representatives as observers, a reciprocal

arrangement could be made;

· Mr Paul Wynne represents the LAF for BAINES and Bristol City;

· if a vacancy occurs on the Forum, areas of interest can be filled by reserve

members;

· reserve members are to be kept informed of meetings and can attend as

observers, on invitation they can participate if their specific knowledge is required;

· Fiona Robertson will draft the Conduct of Business for approval and or

amendment at the next meeting dated 24^th July 2003.

LAF

Remit of the Local Access Forum by Rachel Lewis (Natural Environment Co-ordinator) (Agenda Item 5)

Copies of the presentation were distributed at the meeting and to members not in attendance. A copy to be retained in the minute book.

Rachel Lewis reiterated that the LAF can have a direct input into the Rights of Way Improvement Plan, providing the plan with direction and focus.

THE MEETING ADJOURNED FOR LUNCHEON AT 12.40 AND

RECONVENED AT 13.20

MR BARCLAY, MR HARRIS AND MR WYNNE LEFT THE MEETING

FOR OTHER ENGAGEMENTS

LAF

Presentation: Tom Lewis, Countryside Agency

Mapping of the New Right of Access to Open Country and Registered Common Land (Agenda Item 6) Attached at Annex 3

Tom Lewis, Countryside Agency, gave a presentation on the role of the Agency under Part 1 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, mostly focusing on the mapping process. Copies to be circulated on request.

The following responses were made to comments from members:

· boundaries differ from the Regional Government Plan to focus on smaller areas;

· the LAF can advise the Countryside Agency (CA) and North Somerset Council;

· North Somerset has seventeen registered small commons, maps can be viewed at

the next meeting;

· up to date existing data is used for publishing maps, with site visits for

unresolved areas;

· discussion ensued on “Quiet Lanes”;

· more resources were required to provide for more access points in the Rights of

Way Improvement Plan;

· LAF annual reports will be looked at closely by the CA.

LAF

North Somerset Public Rights of Way and Access Team (Agenda Item 7)

Copies of the presentation were distributed at the meeting and to members not in attendance. A copy to be retained in the minute book.

Richard Broadhead (Access Policy Officer) gave a short presentation on the North Somerset Public Rights of Way Current Work and Issues.

The following additional comments were made:

(a) Roads Used as Public Paths (RUPPs)

Various attempts were made at the reclassification of Roads Used as Public Paths (RUPPs ) in 1981. This required full investigations on the evidence available to change the status. This duty was not time limited compared to other modification applications. The Public Rights of Way Act will replace this duty with a blanket reclassification of RUPPs as restricted byways, (for walkers, cyclists and horse drawn vehicles) not mechanically propelled vehicles. Fifty seven RUPPs remain, some two-thirds of which possibly carry full vehicular rights and could require reclassification by Definitive Map Modifictaion Orders as byways open to all traffic (boats).

(b) Crime Reduction

New powers exist for schools with public rights of way on their land to apply for a diversion order or extinguishment order, if experiencing high crime that is directly attributable to the presence of the path. Other paths where similar problems occur may also be diverted or extinguished in areas that must first, on application by the Council, be designated by the secretary of State as a “high crime area”.

Members made the following comments:

· the increased frequency of dumped cars on private and highway land;

· the Strawberry Line Heritage Lottery Grant;

· existing networks should be cleared first;

· public liability insurance claims with members of the public and landowners;

· young people and their respective interests must be included;

· the LAF can be creative in speeding up the PROW application processes;

· the cohesion of the existing network needs to be reviewed;

· the LAF to assist in the PROW support and efficient use of its resources;

· information could be drawn from Department of Food and Rural Affairs

(DEFRA)

LAF

Agenda Items for the Next Meeting 24th July 2003 (Agenda Item 8)

It was agreed to review the following items:

· election of Chairman and Vice Chairman;

· display of Access Mapping ;

· Countryside Agency Consultation on Country Code – How to be responsible in

DATE	DAY	MONTH	VENUE	TIME
16^TH	TUESDAY	SEPTEMBER		TBA
13^TH	MONDAY	OCTOBER		TBA
17^TH	MONDAY	NOVEMBER		TBA
19^TH	MONDAY	JANUARY		TBA
18^TH	WEDNESDAY	FEBRUARY		TBA
17^TH	WEDNESDAY	MARCH		TBA
15^TH	THURSDAY	APRIL		TBA

DAY

MONTH

VENUE

TIME

TUESDAY

SEPTEMBER

TBA