Report to the Culture, Economy and Sustainability Scrutiny Committee

Report of: Sheffield Local Access Forum ______

Date: 4 January 2011 ______

Subject: FOR INFORMATION ONLY Sheffield Local Access Forum Annual Report and Minutes. ______

Contact Officer: Sam Beaton, Public Rights of Way Officer 0114 2734448 ______

Summary: The recent minutes and Annual Report of the Sheffield Local Access Forum are attached for the Committee’s information.

______

SHEFFIELD LOCAL ACCESS FORUM

Annual Report

Incorporating the Annual Report for the Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2009/10

August 2009 to August 2010

Published on behalf of the Sheffield Local Access Forum by The Public Rights of Way Group, Sheffield City Council, Transport & Highways Division, Howden House, 1 Union Street, Sheffield S1 2SH

CONTENTS

Page

3 Background

4 Meetings

5 List of Members

6 Work of the Forum Consultations Received Rights of Way Improvement Plan

8 Site Visits/General Matters

9 Agendas

14 Attendances

15 Expenditure

16 Part 2 – ROWIP Annual Report

Cover picture: Open Access – Footpath to Hungerhill, Parish of Stocksbridge

SHEFFIELD LOCAL ACCESS FORUM

BACKGROUND

Section 94 of the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000 required that every highway authority and National Park Authority should establish a Local Access Forum to be comprised of persons who appear to the appointing authority to be representative of users of local rights of way, owners and occupiers of access land or land over which local rights of way subsist or any interests especially relevant to the authority’s area. The appointing authority is to ensure a reasonable balance is maintained between the number of members appointed to consider public rights of way provision in its area. On the basis of this statutory requirement advertisements were sent out to identified interest groups and individuals and placed in the local press so as to recruit members from different sectional interests to the Sheffield Local Access Forum. A local access forum has to consist of no fewer than 10 and no more than 22 members.

The remit of the Forum is described in the statute as; to advise the appointing authority as to the improvement of public access to land in its area for the purposes of open-air recreation and the enjoyment of the area. In so doing the Forum must have regard to the needs of land management, and nature conservation.

MEETINGS 2009/10

During the year five meetings of the Forum were held. These consisted of three formal meetings and two one day site visit.

Membership Membership of the Forum is usually a three year appointment, but may be less if circumstances dictate. There are currently 15 members of the Forum.

Public Attendance and Minutes Members of the public are welcome to attend meetings as observers, but may only be permitted to speak on a particular item if the Chair of the Forum gives approval. The normal venue at the Wood Lane Countryside Centre does provide for disabled access.

Notice of meetings and the minutes of previous meetings can be found on the City Council’s web site at: http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/roads/travel/walking/prow/local-access- forum/previous-minutes-and-annual-reports

Or information may be obtained from: The Secretary Sheffield Local Access Forum The Public Rights of Way Group Sheffield City Council Transport & Highways Division Howden House 1 Union Street Sheffield S1 2SH

Tel: 0114 2734448

Email: [email protected]

LIST OF MEMBERS 2009 - 2010

Representation

Roger Kite M.B.E. (Chair) Nature conservation Terry Howard (Vice Chair) General Richard Godley Conservation/General John Harker Walking Les Seaman Walking Leonie Twigg Horse Riding Sue Stones Disability access Frank Berrisford Adopt a-path Rod Holmes Disability Access Matt North General Access/Conservation Councillor Peter Price City Councillor Councillor Trevor Bagshaw City Councillor Rhiannon Owen Horse riding/Farming Henry Norman Cycling Ros Hancock Conservation

WORK OF THE FORUM PRINCIPAL ITEMS OF DISCUSSION

Open Access Ongoing issues and improvements relating to Open Access were discussed, including: a) Whitwell Moor, Blackbrook Wood, Sheffield’s woodlands, Millstones Edge Quarry. b) Transport and Highways team building exercise at Green Drive, Burbage involved drainage and path improvements. c) The British Mountaineering Council had requested the City Council to consider dedicating land in the Council’s ownership at Millstone Edge Quarry, under the CROW Act 2000 provisions. This was formally dedicated in 2009 d) Council owned woodland open space mapping as access land by Ordnance Survey was has continued and 11 more sites were added during the year e) Changes to land management at Wind Hill Knoll to reduce overgrowth were noted. f) A major improvement to a footpath at Whitwell Moor open access land.

Consultations 1. Natural England – Lost Ways Project Previously the LAF had been informed that this national project was intended to facilitate the recording of historical rights of way on Definitive Maps before 2026, which was set by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, as the cut-off date for such routes to be shown on the Map. Natural England stated that the project has proved to be very expensive for little result.

In 2008 a Stakeholder Working Group had been established by Natural England to consider possible changes to legislation with a view to simplifying the mapping procedures and thereby speed up the recording of historical rights of way. Final proposals from the Working Group were advised to the Forum.

2. The National Rights of Way Forum This group represents all the Local Access Forums in England and draws its membership from each region. The Chair of the National Forum advised that it was felt that Natural England was not supportive of the National LAF. He asked that each LAF pursued this through whatever channel s were appropriate. The Sheffield LAF wrote to Helen Phillips, asking for clarification of her organisations position on the matter. Natural England responded in a very positive way sufficient to allay fears.

3. Walkers Are Welcome Campaign The Forum was advised that both Bradfield and Stocksbridge Councils were developing schemes to promote tourism and local businesses.

4. DEFRA – Consultation on Structures on Paths This includes such as stiles, gates, gaps, etc. The LAF took the view that Sheffield was already a leader in this, having adopted a least restrictive approach to access as part of its ROWIP.

5. Sheffield Green & Open Spaces Strategy Update A presentation was made to the Forum on the current position of the strategy, following from public consultation. Overall the LAF was of the opinion that there were opportunities for cross working between Council directorates and for integrating the ROWIP with the GOSS.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan

During the year the LAF considered various projects relating to the ROWIP and advised on some difficult issues including upgrading some footpaths to bridleways for multi use routes and as part of the process, deleting a bridleway route to the outrage of some mountain bikers. The full ROWIP Annual Report is included with this report.

Site Visits

In order for members of the Forum to be more conversant with some of the issues they were discussing relating to ROWIP, Open Access areas and Definitive Map review matters, visits were made to the following locations:

1. Whitwell Moor. The LAF were pleased with the works undertaken to improve access generally throughout the site, much of the excellent work having been undertaken by the Steel Valley Partnership. The Broomhead Estate’s (the landowner) support for the works was also noted and appreciated.

2. New Bridleway at Langsett. The works were a joint venture of the Peak Park, Yorkshire Water, Barnsley and Sheffield Councils. The route from the car park at Langsett to Brookhouse Bridge provides a much needed multi-use route.

3. New Bridleway at Beeley Woods – alongside the River Don. Members walked some of the new route. Concerns about drainage and surfacing there were passed on to the contractor.

4. Burbage and Houndkirk Moors. A day visit included talks from the Peak Park and the RSPB on proposed management changes to the area designed to improve both recreational use and wildlife conservation. Some of the problems of vehicular misuse of Houndkirk Road were seen first hand.

General Matters

1. Private Finance Initiative The Forum received a presentation on current position. Some concerns were aired including the future maintenance of highway verges, highway trees and on highway historical artifacts such as ancient milestones and take-off stones etc. Assurances were given that these matters would be addressed and that careful monitoring would be built into the PFI contract.

8 AGENDAS 2009/10

SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL – LOCAL ACCESS FORUM

DATE OF MEETING: FRIDAY 16th OCTOBER 2009

TIME: 2.00 pm

LOCATION: WOOD LANE COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE

AGENDA

 NEW LAF ARRANGEMENTS – ELECTION OF CHAIR & VICE CHAIR

 APOLOGIES

 MINUTES OF THE MEETING 10TH JULY 2009 (previously circulated)

 MATTERS ARISING

 REPORT BACK FROM NEIGHBOURING LAFs

 ANNUAL REPORT INCLUDING ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN

 MOUNTAIN BIKES – CLAIMED LOSS OF AMENITY

 GREEN & OPEN SPACES STRATEGY UPDATE

 PATHS ACROSS SCHOOL GROUNDS

 PFI AND PROW

 OPEN ACCESS – UPDATE & ISSUES ARISING inc. SHEFFIELD MOORLANDS – NEW MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

 A.O.B.

 DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL – LOCAL ACCESS FORUM

18th December 2009 – Site Visits

1. Whitwell Moor – New access track 2. Langsett – New access track 3. Oughtibridge – Repairs and resurfacing to existing riverside path

Looking at aspects of the implementation of the ROWIP including Open Access, Trans Pennine Trail links and access issues raised by the LAF.

SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL – LOCAL ACCESS FORUM

DATE OF MEETING: FRIDAY 12th MARCH 2010

TIME: 2.00 pm

LOCATION: WOOD LANE COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE

AGENDA

 APOLOGIES

 MINUTES OF THE MEETING 16TH OCTOBER 2009

 MATTERS ARISING

 MEETING18TH DECEMBER, VERBAL REPORT

 REPORT BACK FROM NEIGHBOURING LAFs

 PFI HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE

 DDA & STRUCTURES CONSULTATION (COPY ATTACHED)

 ROWIP UPDATE

 OPEN ACCESS – UPDATE & ISSUES

 A.O.B.

 DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL – LOCAL ACCESS FORUM

SITE VISIT & SEMINAR AT THE MOORLANDS DISCOVERY CENTRE, LONGSHAW

DATE OF MEETING: 11.6.10

TIME: 10.00

Purpose of the visit to look at management proposals for Burbage and Houndkirk moorlands owned by the City Council.

SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL – LOCAL ACCESS FORUM

DATE OF MEETING: FRIDAY 30th July 2010

TIME: 2.00 pm

LOCATION: WOOD LANE COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE

AGENDA

 APOLOGIES

 MINUTES OF THE MEETING 10TH March 2010

 MATTERS ARISING

 MEETING 11TH JUNE, BURBAGE & HOUNDKIRK - VERBAL REPORT

 REPORT BACK FROM NEIGHBOURING LAFs

 REPORT BACK FROM REGIONAL LAF MEETING

 BRADFIELD PROW ISSUES

 ROWIP UPDATE

 OPEN ACCESS – UPDATE & ISSUES

 A.O.B.

 DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

LAF MEMBER ATTENDANCES - Year 7- 2009/2010

MEETING DATES NAME STATUS 16-Oct-09 18Dec-09 12-Mar-10 11-Jne-10 30-July-10

R Kite Chair     

T Howard Vice Chair     

P Price Cllr Rep    

T Bagshaw Cllr Rep    

F Beresford Member     

R Owen Member    

R Godley Member     

J Harker Member     

H. Norman Member     

R Holmes Member    

M North Member   

S Stones Member   

L Twigg Member     

   L Seaman Member     

R Hancock Member     

   S Tivey Secretary     

M Hanson PROW Rep     

Notes:  = attended



LAF EXPENSES 2009/10

DATE DESCRIPTION DETAILS AMOUNT

16-Sep-09 LAF Meeting - Wood Lane Room Hire 70 Refreshments 19.36 Copying 26 Postage 10.8

18th Dec 09 LAF Meeting - Site Visits Room Hire and lunch 300 Travel 140

Annual Report 50

12th Mar 10 LAF Meeting - Wood Lane Room Hire 70 Refreshments 21.55 Copying 18 Postage 10.8

15th May 10 Attendance at Meeting TH LS Expenses 20.75

11th Jun 10 1Seminar and site visits Room Hire & Lunch 229

30th Jul 09 LAF Meeting-Wood Lane Refreshments 15.5 Copying 24 Postage 10.8 Room Hire 70

TOTAL FOR YEAR 1106.56

PART 2

Annual Report To The Sheffield Local Access Forum

ROWIP Year 3 2009 – 2010

ACTIONS - TARGET ATTAINMENT

The purpose of this report is to meet the monitoring requirements as set out in Section 5.2 – Statement of Actions Policies contained in the Rights of Way Improvement Plan.

POLICY 1 – DEFINITIVE MAP REVIEW (Also Incorporating Policies 6 and 8)

Path Orders / Current positions Byway Open to all Traffic - Moscar Cross Road (C) Byway Open to all Traffic - Stakehill Road (C) Footpath from Long Lane to Oaks Lane, Stocksbridge (C) Footpath from Wind Hill to Wind Hill Crags, Stocksbridge (C) Footpath From Steel Hill to Birley Edge, Grenoside (PI) Footpath Topside, Grenoside (C) C confirmed, NC not confirmed, TBC to be confirmed, PI pending public inquiry

Investigations Claimed Footpaths: 1. Beighton Road to River Rother, S. 31 prescriptive dedication under S.31 Highways Act 1980 – ongoing. Alternative routes in existence. 2. Footpath off Riggs Low Road, S.31 claim – not proceeded with as the land is open access already served by a public right of way.

POLICY 2 – UPGRADING URBAN PATHS All urban estate type paths, shown on the Definitive Map, have been inspected and a condition survey, list and maps now completed to aid PFI and the updating of the Definitive Map.

POLICY 3 – TRAVEL PLANS - WALKING Some schools in ‘The Enhanced Public Health Programme’ areas of the City (areas of high obesity) have been targeted for walking to school schemes. Work continues to develop more walking buses for trips to school.

POLICY 4 – RURAL & URBAN CONNECTIONS No action this year.

POLICY 5 – BRIDLEWAY/MULTI USE ROUTES Lodge Moor to Rails Road Rivelin - Work continues to upgrade the surfaces of some sections of this route. Blackbrook Wood – Works have now been completed to upgrade the footpath to bridleway, as a trial permissive route.

POLICY 7 – BYWAY OPEN TO ALL TRAFFIC – POSSIBLE TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDERS No action this year.

POLICY 9 – CYCLING Development of routes and implementation of the Cycle Action Plan is continuing.

POLICY 10 – TRAVEL PLANS - CYCLING The route between Oughtibridge and Claywheels Lane has been stoned and it is intended to tarmac the route. Work is continuing on the development of a multi- use route between Halfway and Killamarsh. A project called ‘Bike it’ is intended to encourage children at 30 Sheffield schools to cycle to and from school.

POLICY 11 – OPEN COUNTRY Maintenance of site furniture, access points and signage ongoing.

Improved disability access at Whitwell Moor now completed with a new Easy Going Trail.

POLICY 12 – PATHS ALONG RIVER CORRIDORS AND AROUND RESERVOIRS No further action this year.

POLICY 13 – INTEGRATION OF COUNTRYSIDE SITES INTO THE PATH NETWORK Improvements to the path network at Agden Side to facilitate access.

POLICY 14 – NATURE CONSERVATION IMPACT OF ACCESS PROVISION Consultation has taken place with Natural England regarding Stanage Long Causeway and Burbage green drive and the City Ecologist regarding Limb Valley.

POLICY 19 – IMPROVEMENT TO PATH FURNITURE, CLEARANCE ETC. A regular summer clearance programme has been developed for access land and Easy Going Trails. Many stiles on access land outside the National Park have been replaced with gates and on land owned by the City Council within the Park.

POLICY 22 – LEAST RESTRICTIVE ACCESS Work continues on replacing some stiles with gates, improving gradients and facilitating access for all on many sites.

Improvements to Green Drive, Burbage

POLICY 24 – EASY GOING TRAILS

Surface improvements continue to be carried out and better access points provided.

Path improvements – Agden

POLICY 25 – MAINTENANCE /OBSTRUCTION

Regular clearance of overgrowth, removal of obstructions and path improvements is ongoing using the PROW Rangers and other agencies as appropriate. POLICY 26 – STAKEHOLDER LIAISON Meetings and or discussions have taken place, in particular with the following: Local Access Forums Peak National Park Authority The Ramblers’ Association Bridleways Groups Sheffield Walking Forum Natural England Ride Sheffield

POLICY 27 – ENHANCING THE NETWORK

Works completed at Woodhouse for improved multi use routes, especially linked to the Trans Pennine Trail. Also, works partially completed on improved bridleway/multi use routes in the Rivelin Valley.

Path Improvements at Blackbrook wood

POLICY 28 – PUBLICITY ON RESPONSIBLE PATH USE

The PROW website has seasonal information for path users on access land e.g. dogs on leads in spring, no naked flames in summer etc. Also advisory signs have been placed on most of the access land outside the National Park and on Council owned land within the Park.

POLICY 29 – ROWIP TO FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF PLANNING & STATEGIC DOCUMENTS ETC.

The ROWIP has been included in the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy Document, the new Local Development Framework, PFI documentation and revised Transport Plans.

POLICIES 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 23

Little or no action on these policies in the second year. 21 SHEFFIELD LOCAL ACCESS FORUM Meeting Held – 1st October 2010 at 2.00p.m. At Wood Lane Countryside Centre

Attendees T. Howard (Vice Chair); Cllr. P Price; L. Seaman; F. Beresford; R. Owen; R. Godley; H. Norman; L. Twigg; R. Holmes

Officers: S. Tivey (Secretary); M. Hanson (Principal Eng. PROW); S. Beaton (CROW Officer); N. James (PROW Officer)

Action 1.0 Apologies

Cllr. T. Bagshaw, N. Sellwood, R. Kite, J. Harker, M. North, S. Stones

2.0 Minutes of L.A.F. Meeting on 30th July 2010

Minutes agreed subject to noting R. Holmes sent apologies.

3.0 Matters Arising

The sale of Grenowood has gone through mostly to the S. W. Trust. All to All to note note S.T.s e-mail should now be sent to him via PROW, email box: [email protected]

4.0 Neighbouring L.A.F.’s

T.H. reported from the Peak District L.A.F. Peak Community Transport is planning to increase their Health Walks budget. A paper will be presented to the board under the enabling strategy. It was also reported that Loosehill Hall is potentially up for sale.

On the matter of 4x4 vehicle use in the park, Long Causeway and Brough Lane are to receive some remedial repair works. Traffic Regulation Orders regarding vehicular use are also being considered.

Equestrian issues relating to the Peak P.R.O.W.I.P. were also discussed.

John Harker had given his apologies and as an attendee to the other local L.A.F.s, no other reports were available.

T.H. also reported back from the Regional L.A.F. Coastal access will be piloted at Weymouth; this will tie in with this area being used for water sports at the 2012 Olympic Games.

East Yorkshire’s Local Authority has pulled out of Coastal Access discussions. The regional L.A.F. indicated support for the motion that the Lost Ways Project, should have the cut off date 2026 extended for a 10 year period. Issues of bridleway provision, motor vehicle use and fly tipping were debated.

There is an assumption that funding for R.O.W.I.P.’s through L.T.P.3 will finish. Individual authorities will bid for funding, although this process is expected to be hampered by public spending cutbacks.

The 10 year review of the C.R.O.W. Act 2000 has been suspended. The future of support for the English and Regional L.A.F.s is uncertain due to unknown factors at D.E.F.R.A. and Natural England. At this point Cllr. Price asked about funding for the Trans Pennine Trail, a multi-use route which forms part of the National Cycle Network. M.H. replied funding of this project comes from the cycling provision budget but this year all this budget had been given to the Community Assemblies. Cllr. Price stated that Sheffield has not carried out monitoring or paid the T.P.T. subscription this year. M.H. M.H. agreed to investigate.

5.0 Annual Report 2009/10

The report had been circulated and was commended on the proviso that the two typing errors were corrected and attendance recording were amended. S.T. The corrected report should go on to the P.R.O.W. website. Copies are to be sent to Natural England. Anyone wishing further copies to contact N.J.

6.0 Public Rights of Way Budget

M.H. reported that P.R.O.W.I.P. progress would be affected by a 50% cut in the works budget to meet the mid term Council budget cut. This took affect immediately. Staffing of the P.R.O.W. Group is paid from the revenue budget; this will be cut by 15%, 7.5% and 7.5% in successive years. The Community Assemblies have been designated funding for major highway works, project success may depend on user groups presenting their case to the Community Assemblies. T.H. expressed concerns over the lack of consultation with the L.A.F. regarding P.R.O.W. and Access Issues, thereby not meeting the requirement of the C.R.O.W. 2000 Act.

T.H. suggested the L.A.F. should write to and lobby Senior Officers, Elected ST/RK/TH Members, Cabinet Members and Members of Parliament to promote the P.R.O.W. Network and the economic and social benefits. T.H. also stated it was the Sheffield Ramblers’ Association intention to ask Elected Members to accompany them to a meeting and invite to go walking.

7.0 4x4 Damage at Long Causeway

S.B. had been sent a link to a 4x4 vehicle website, showing 4x4 vehicles driving through gullies, off road in the Peak District. This information has been circulated to the appropriate authorities. It is believed that the land in question is owned by Sheffield City Council and managed by Kier Property Assets. Plans are being formulated in conjunction with the tenant and Natural England to move the fencing closer to the Causeway. Strategic placing of fence posts are being considered to prevent use of unofficial tracks. It will be important to place these measures so they do not adversely impose on legitimate users or cause pinch points. These measures will require monitoring. It is also proposed that on the Derbyshire side some routes are to be repaired and leveled using grit stone. The Peak District intends to manage routes, rather then close them. It is hoped that the Police will play an important role in deterring illegal use.

8.0 R.O.W.I.P. Update

9.0 Open Access – Update and Issues

These items were discussed together. S.B. gave a report that followed on from the L.A.F. visits to the Beighton area. Maps were distributed, showing the improved bridleway at Flockton Park and the new bridleway at Water Slacks Lane in the Shirebrook Valley. New paths have been provided over the recently landscaped Beighton Tip (including a section of the TPT) but these are not yet being formalised until further monitoring of gas level are undertaken to ensure public safety.

At Rivelin Roughs Woodland a new track has been constructed. The P.R.O.W. Group is now working to complete the route circuit and is awaiting the landowner’s dedication. At Upper Burbage a short Easy Going Trail’ is proposed, this route will be constructed this year, weather permitting. The access point at Cowell Flat, above Bradfield is to be moved due to traffic accidents at its present location.

10.0 Network Rail Issues

Access across the Sheffield Midland Station continues to be a major concern for many people who use this route on a daily commute and to gain access to the City Centre. The Sheffield City Council, Transport and Legal Sections are meeting with the station operators to discuss options.

The public footpath SHE/242 (old footbridge over railway) is not seen by the public as an attractive alternative in its present condition and specification. We are hoping that a walkway agreement will be arrived at, to enable the public to pass using the internal Station Bridge. There are a number of problems to overcome before an agreement is likely. Any proposed creation order is thought to be an expensive and protracted solution, where the outcome is not guaranteed.

Negotiations are also continuing to secure a public right of way across the railway line from Station Lane, Oughtibridge, to the footpath on the Wharncliffe Wood side of the tracks. Unfortunately, this is also a complicated case that will require the reinstatement/diversion of an old public footpath, within a planned development that gives a safe crossing point off the tracks. This link will give access to the Trans Pennine Trail, via Wharncliffe Woods, avoiding the narrow road bridge over the railway.

11.0 A.O.B.

R.O. presented a paper suggesting possible multi-use tracks through the Lady Canning’s Plantation. T.H. suggested a site visit to discuss the route design. M.H. suggested that Lady Canning’s Plantation was previously discussed at a L.A.F. meeting as being suitable for a mountain bike circuit and was concerned that a multi use route may not be the best option in this location for recreational use. R.O. and H.N. had held talks with Parks and Countryside. The woodland will be strip thinned to offer a wider diversity of flora species, this may happen early next year. Hopefully the prominent land mark the ‘Ox Stone’ will again be visible after thinning works are completed and some desire line routes will become established.

Dates for future meetings: 17th December 2010 – Meet at Wood Lane 9:30am Site visits - Lady Cannings, Upper Burbage Bridge, Green Drive

Future L.A.F. meeting dates; 11TH February 2011 10th June 2011 9th September 2011