Minutes:
Next, a discussion about public rights of way and their connection to local development. The Chair had met with Cllr Gillbe, who currently serves as the executive member for Planning and Transport. Cllr Gillbe expressed a strong interest in walking and expressed a desire to be involved with the Forum. Cllr Gillbe was disappointed to learn that rights of way was under the remit of a different executive member, as it falls under parks and countryside service to deliver. Nevertheless, he remained keenly interested in the topic.
It was noted that Cllr Gillbe had planned to attend the meeting but was unavailable.
The meeting attendees discussed the fact that the public often does not differentiate between a public right of way and a highway, which can lead to issues. Cllr Gillbe had expressed a desire to make the transition between public rights of way and highways more seamless, as highways are within his purview.
The meeting attendees mentioned a question from a previous meeting regarding an access point to Frost Folly from the Northern end of Osborne Lane. This question would require consultation with the highways team, as it might involve parking-related issues. Concerns were raised about the design of Frost Folly, which was originally intended for drivers and not pedestrians, posing safety risks for walkers.
Following this a discussion about the relationship between public rights of way and new development areas within the borough. Planning applications often focus on the specifics of the application rather than considering broader access to the countryside or the rights of way network. The challenges of ensuring that development not only meets its immediate needs but also provides opportunities for broader accessibility were acknowledged. The challenges were particularly notable in cases where developers purchased land for SANGs detached from the areas they were building, without considering how it could be connected.
Concerns were raised about the relatively poor access to the rights of way network in the northern parishes of Warfield and Binfield, with an emphasis on safety. A previous attempt to establish a permissive path with Thames Water dried up, leaving a need for improved access.
The meeting attendees discussed the importance of creating a connection between the Parks and Countryside team, represented by Executive Member Kandy Jefferies, and the Planning and Highways team represented by Councillor Gilby.
Subsequent to the meeting between Cllr Gillbe and the LCAF Chair, the executive member responsibilities for rights of way have been split between two executive members. Cllr Gillbe, Executive Member for Planning and Transport will cover dedication and investment. Cllr Jefferies Executive Member for Culture, Delivery and Public Protection would be dealing more with maintenance and promotion.
It was noted with enthusiasm about how Cllrs’ interests in rights of way is a positive thing and how Cllr Gillbe was hoping to keep engaged in LCAF’s work by attending future meetings.
The meeting attendees considered whether there were any additional points to add, with a focus on liaising with the councillors and other relevant teams.
The meeting attendees noted that they should continue to identify opportunities and advocate for progress, especially in cases where development opportunities arose.
Attendees were invited to ask further questions or bring up additional topics, but no further questions were raised.