Agenda item

The meeting began with a discussion of the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting which took place on 10 October 2023. The Chair opened the floor for comments or corrections on the minutes.

The Chair moved on to discuss matters arising from the previous meeting: The Chair mentioned that the action points from the last meeting had been summarised and circulated.

Attendees confirmed the minutes of the last meeting and turned to Appendix 1 on an update to the actions.

Rose advised that officers did forward the matter regarding the illegal closure of West End Lane and Warfield to the Highways and Planning team for them to follow up.

Furthermore, officers provided clarification regarding the Watersplash Lane connection, which was referenced in the June 2023 meeting.

This was about integrating horse access into the Warfield Strategic development proposals.  Looking at the potential for creating a recreational route between Watersplash Lane and Maize Lane. This would pass through several green spaces (Lark’s Hill and Priory Field) and connect with Hedge Lane bridleway.

This was still in development and officers come to that later on as it was not merely crossing Priory field, which was the big issue and whether there was or there wasn't a bridleway through Larks Hill.

A forum member raised the point that creating such a route would encourage more horses into an area which was increasingly becoming more urbanised. This could create a conflict between users of the route, which could include horse riders, dog walkers and cyclists. They weren’t against maintaining existing new routes, just creating new ones. They also raised the point that stables may die out in Warfield because there were not the facilities for them any longer.

Rob advised that they do get a few enquiries from residents regarding horse riders in the more urban areas and not on bridleways.  Providing an alternative, and attractive route for horse riders may help to focus horse riding in designated areas.

Another member added that they received a lot of communication from horse riders, who were very concerned about losing those routes. If the Council could provide them with an alternative formal route that they were allowed to use, that would satisfy them.

Stephen raised the point that whilst it was good to have this debate, the matter regarding the Warfield Strategic development proposals was a planning issue that was better dealt with via the planning process. There was no immediate action for the Forum to take away from this discussion. It was noted that funding through the Section 106 scheme to do the Pegasus crossings and do the works that may be required to improve the connectivity in that area was being received. The Chair highlighted how the Forum would like to be involved with the planning process, where matters relate to public access and rights of way.

The Forum could contribute to what was the user's perspective of proposed plans, as part of the planning process.

(Action: BFC to keep LCAF informed about planning applications, where rights of way were involved)

In relation to the Blackwater Valley footbridge, Stephen advised that the budget setting cycle was currently coming to its conclusion. Money had been set aside to complete and they were also seeking support from neighbouring authorities. The Borough Council had put sufficient provision in its own budget to replace the bridge. Work was underway with the Rangers investigating what the requirements would be for doing the scheme. This is anticipated to be a challenging project with the relevant permits required while working over water. There’s also the need to protect the sensitive wildlife in the Blackwater Valley, which is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The Chairman advised that he would be seeking thoughts for a site visit location, ideally on a Saturday.

(Action: Chair)