NOTTINGHAM LOCAL ACCESS FORUM

M I N U T E S of meeting held on 3rd October 2007 at the

Tea Room - Council House from 6.30 pm to 8 pm

 Malcolm Bescoby  Nick Hynes  John Boland  Wendy Judge Bill Clarke  Trevor Muxlow Roger Codling Mary Myles  Angela Cooke Councillor Packer Councillor Grocock  Bill Wright  Tom Huggon

 - indicates present at meeting

Also in attendance

Jenni French (Open & Green Spaces Strategy Development Co-ordinator) John Lee (Advisor), Jenny Kukan (Secretary)

Action 1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

1.1 Bill Clarke, Roger Codling, Councillor Grocock, Mary Myles

1.2 Wendy Judge read Joan Wildgust’s letter of resignation to the meeting

“…It is also with regret that I wish also to tender my resignation as a member of the Forum. This decision has been forced on me by other very heavy working commitments, notably my current role in the campaign to save the Arts Theatre.

I have enjoyed my tenure with the Forum and would like, in resigning, to pay tribute to both members and officers for the dedication and the many kindnesses they have shown me over the years.

It would be appreciated if these sentiments could be reported to the meeting.

I also wish the Forum every success in its future endeavours

JOAN WILDGUST”

1 2 MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

2.1 (Item 2.8) John Boland received a letter from

explaining the procedure that will be followed if a Stopping Up Order is required for the Station redevelopments. If an Order is made, an objection period would follow. Tom Huggon suggested forming a sub group to formulate a letter of objection as it is not acceptable to be forced to walk a longer route along congested pavements. A copy of the Order would be sent to the Chair of NLAF.

2.2 (Item 3.1) John Boland will be attending the training day to be run by Natural at Elvaston Castle on 15th October 2007.

2.3 (Item 3.2) John Lee has contacted Tim Hart at County

Council who has a PHD in interpreting documentary evidence and has written papers on the topic. Tim will arrange some training consisting of both office based teaching and visiting the Nottinghamshire Research Archives.

2.4 (Item 4.2) The Modification Order for Richborough Place will be made in October. More than 100 user evidence forms were submitted in support of the claimed footpath and the 7-8 signed Statutory Declarations can be presented to the Planning Inspectorate if necessary.

2.5 (Item 4.3) A definition of Access Land has been requested which may John Lee enable NLAF to request Nottingham to be resurveyed by the Countryside Agency as the forum believe areas like the Trent Valley Way may fall under this category. Definition: “Access Land is mountain, moor, heath or down and registered as Common Land”

2.6 (item 5.5) Trevor Muxlow has misplaced the document regarding access Trevor Muxlow to the English Coast and consequently feedback is postponed until the next meeting.

3 PRESENTATION “BREATHING SPACE” STRATEGY ON OPEN AND GREEN SPACES BY JENNI FRENCH – OPEN & GREEN SPACES STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATOR

3.1 Jenni French’s presentation explained what open space does, why we need open space, why we need a strategy, which areas of the city have easy access to open space and some of the ways in which existing open spaces are being improved. Jenni and her colleagues are in the process of developing an action plan for the next 10 years. Copies of the document sent out to forum members with the minutes.

4 LAF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

4.1 See item 2.3 regarding training on documentary evidence interpretation

2 4.2 Angela Cooke is attending day 2 of a training course run by BHS on Rights of Way law. If any other forum members are interested please contact Angela for further information.

5 UPDATE ON PUBLIC ACCESS AND PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY WITHIN NOTTINGHAM

5.1 John Lee informed the meeting of the forthcoming Motorcycle Barrier th Demonstration Event on Wednesday 10 October 2007 at Silverdale Walk. Three types of barriers will be installed on site for the event which has been advertised widely and various user and advisory groups have been invited including the Disability Advisory Group. The purpose of the event is to determine which type of barrier is most negotiable and user friendly for legitimate users.

5 UPDATE ON RELEVANT LEGISLATION

5.1 John Lee provided the meeting with an update on the Haswell Road

Gating Order. No objections were received and the Order has now come into force. Initially youths were climbing over the gates but rolling crocodile wire was fitted and this ceased immediately. A local resident from Haswell Road has called to give his thanks as no further crime has been reported since the crocodile wire was fitted.

5.2 Three applications for Gating Orders have been received from , St Anns and Colwick. When more information is available NLAF will be informed.

5.3 John Lee confirmed that the proposed Gating Order on Glade Avenue will not be going ahead.

6 RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN UPDATE

6.1 John Lee reported that a limited number of comments were received on

the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan during the consultation period. Only minor changes such as adding pictures have been carried out. Solicitors have advised that the document must go to the full council because there are policies included towards the end. Tom Huggon suggested that this should be seen as a positive as approval by the full Council will give it the highest status.

7 ELECTION OF NEW LAF CHAIR

7.1 Wendy Judge wished John Boland every success in his future as the new

LAF chair.

7.2 Forum members are asked to consider whether they would like to take on All the role of Vice Chair and if so, to nominate themselves

3 8 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

8.1 The draft annual report for 2005/2006 is now ready for approval by NLAF.

Forum members are asked to read the report ready to agree it at the next meeting in January 2008. All

8.2 The dates of meetings for 2008 were agreed to be the following:

th  9 January 2008 th  9 April 2008 th  9 July 2008  8th October 2008

John Lee John Lee is to inform the relevant Councillors.

8.3 John Boland reported that part of the River Leen foot and cycle path which had not been maintained to an acceptable standard has now been significantly improved and residents are thrilled with this.

8.4 Angela Cooke informed the meeting that she is resigning as chair of the BHS. However, she is still happy to remain on the Local Access Forum and members agreed that she will remain a valuable member.

8.5 Following Joan Wildgust’s resignation from the forum, it is now necessary to go out to recruitment for new members. The forum can have a maximum of 20 members so more than one new member could be recruited.

8.6 Wendy Judge was thanked for her time as NLAF Chair.

8.7 The meeting was provided with a copy of the latest ebulletin from Natural England regarding Lost Ways. Comments are requested from Local Access Forums on the role of LAFs in the Discovering Lost Ways project. Despite being informed that they should be in Nottingham from March 2007, nothing has been heard from the Lost Ways team for months. Angela Cooke reported that at a workshop she attended with BHS the Lost Ways team were vague about what they wanted from them. Tom Huggon has tried to encourage people to get involved in the project but without success as people believe there is little point in an urban environment because rights of way have already been lost due to development. However, John Lee noted that there are still valuable paths in Nottingham which should be protected.

9 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

9.1 Wednesday 9th January 2007

4 NOTTINGHAM LOCAL ACCESS FORUM

M I N U T E S of meeting held on 11th July 2007 at the

PLEASE NOTE: The next meeting scheduled for 10th October 2007 has now been brought forward to 3rd October 2007.

Tea Room - Council House from 6.30 pm to 8 pm

Malcolm Bescoby  Nick Hynes  John Boland  Wendy Judge  Bill Clarke  Trevor Muxlow  Roger Codling Mary Myles  Angela Cooke Councillor Packer Councillor Grocock  Joan Wildgust  Tom Huggon  Bill Wright

 - indicates present at meeting

Also in attendance

John Lee (Advisor), Jenny Kukan (Secretary)

Action 1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

1.1 Councillor Grocock, Nick Hynes

1.2 Wendy Judge apologised for accidentally missing the last meeting in April.

2 MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

2.1 (Item 2.1) Trevor Muxlow reported that green pathways have been John Lee cut in Park which is an improvement. Paul Owen (Nature Conservation Officer) sent a map but it lacks detail to be useful. John Lee will provide Trevor with a map including aerial photography of the area.

2.2 (Item 2.3) Jenny French has recently had her baby and therefore John will wait to contact her regarding a presentation to the forum about the City Council’s Open and Green Spaces Strategy.

1 2.3 (Item 2.4) Tom Huggon reported that the footpath which links

Carlton Road and Dale is altogether better. The problem with cars driving into the area has improved due to more restricted access.

2.4 (Item 3) John Lee gave the reasons for the change of item 3 on the agenda from “update on definitive rights of way within the city” to “update on public access and public rights of way within Nottingham”. The new heading more accurately describes the legal status of Nottingham’s network of public ways.

2.5 (item 3.1) John Lee reported on the status of the Clifton to Beeston Foot and Cycle Bridge. Unfortunately Sustrans have not put Nottingham City Council’s bid on the shortlist to receive funding should the Connect2 project receive funding from the National Lottery Peoples’ Millions. Sustran’s reasons were related to the access gradient, political pressure from Broxtowe Borough Council and local residents; particularly in the Beeston Rylands area. The three exhibitions took place in Clifton and results showed that 95% of people who attended were strongly in favour of the Bridge. Trevor Muxlow raised the point that if the Nottingham Forest football stadium is moved near to Clifton in 7 years time as reported; it may have an effect on local opinions and desire for a bridge at this location.

2.6 (item 4.2) John Lee is to ask Councillor Grocock for more details

about the footpath in the area which has been blocked off John Lee at the boundary with Broxtowe Borough Council.

2.7 (item 6.1) Forum members confirmed that they had received their copy of the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan. John Lee reminded the forum that the date for which all comments must be received is 31st July 2007.

2.8 The meeting had further discussions about the footpath which may

be extinguished in the station redevelopment. Tom Huggon highlighted the current unsatisfactory situation where users are John Lee John Boland required to walk through the platform. Ticket collectors either prevent this and turn them away or are suspicious, believing they may be ticket evaders. The forum agreed that whatever happens the way must remain open. John Boland is to write a letter to the NET team. John Lee is to email paragraphs to include in the letter to John Boland.

3 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

3.1 John Lee reported that Natural England are running a course on 15th October 2007 which up to 4 forum members are welcome to attend. It is similar to the previous course which was described as very enjoyable and varied. Bill Wright, John Boland and Angela

2 Cooke expressed interest. There is still a space for one more forum member who would like to attend and did not last time.

3.2 At a previous meeting the forum requested training on

interpretation of documentary evidence. John Lee is to arrange John Lee this.

4 UPDATE ON PUBLIC ACCESS AND PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY WITHIN NOTTINGHAM

4.1 John Lee reported that there has been an increase in motorcycle

abuse. Criticism has been directed at Local Authorities suggesting that they are being very reactive and installing barriers without

considering other options first. NCC are working with Cycling England to establish the most appropriate barriers to use. A trial

comparing the well-used A Frame barrier and the relatively new K Frame barrier is planned for a section of Silverdale Walk. Local

user groups, including NLAF will be invited to comment on the barriers in early September (Angela requested in term time if

possible). John Lee to arrange. John Lee has produced a draft checklist which will be used by John Lee Traffic Management Officers when a request to install a barrier is received. Feedback was requested from the meeting. Tom Huggon suggested that Nottingham Local Access Forum should be added to the listed of consultees to both raise the profile of NLAF and ensure the forum is kept informed. This will help to ensure that barriers are not installed if there is a lack of evidence to support one. Forum members were also made aware of an extract from Chapter 13 (Sections 3 and 4) of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 which begins “Treatment, or a failure to comply with a duty, is justified under this subsection if…”. The extract allows the Local Authority to use it’s discretion as to whether the provision of a barrier is required for the safety of ALL users, including disabled users.

4.2 Tom Huggon asked John Lee about the status of the ways which were shown on maps given out in a previous meeting.

 Richborough Place, Wollaton (near Bramcote Hills) 7-8 applicants have been interviewed regarding their Modification Order application forms and were asked to sign the Statutory Declaration in the presence of a commissioner for oaths or a solicitor with the capacity to counter sign a Statutory Declaration. Nottingham City Council plan to make the Order in the near future.

 Bestwood Country Park Phone calls to Nottingham City Council were generated following the erection of a fence by the Council. Modification Order application forms have been sent to 2-3 residents. However none have been received back.

3  Robin Hood Chase area – St Ann’s Well Road This footpath has now been added to the definitive map. The Enclosure Award supported evidence that the way was in fact a public right of way, despite notices erected stating “this is not a public right of way”

4.3 General thoughts about the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan

from the forum included comments about the statement that there is no access land in Nottingham. Forum members questioned this

giving examples like open land on the Trent Valley Way. John Lee All informed the meeting that the Countryside Agency conducted a survey and produced maps for access land and suggested that NLAF could request for Nottingham to be resurveyed. John Lee offered to provide NLAF with a definition of access land if required.

5 UPDATE ON RELEVANT LEGISLATION

5.1 Forum members confirmed receiving the DEFRA consultation

document. John Boland believes that the existing process is satisfactory. Tom Huggon noted that the document is not all st relevant to NLAF. The deadline for comments is 31 August 2007. The forum decided that it would be beneficial to hold a separate

meeting to formulate comments. John Lee is to arrange a room at John Lee Lawrence House for Wednesday 15th August at 3pm for about 2

hours. Members are asked to pick one point that they are opposed All to for discussion before coming to the meeting.

5.2 John Lee reported on a recent CSS meeting where the update on

legislation was considered. Points included: rd  Order Making Authority will become the 3 party in the process.  How much interest will GOEM have?  Time to determine Orders is unrealistic.  What if legal tests for making/confirming the order are met but local interests are ignored?  Draft legislation removes local democracy and local knowledge from the process.  Legislation has to fit with ROWIP; eg. There may be a conflict between what local users want and land owners wanting a route extinguished.  Loaded questions presume that the respondent agrees with the overall general principles in the first place.

5.3 It was decided that the sub group who discussed the proposed Gating Order on Glade Avenue was successful. Sub groups for future proposed Gating Orders may need to be formed at short notice. John Lee will call members to form a sub group of about 4 members as and when a group is needed.

4 5.4 John Lee provided an update on the Gating Order on Haswell Road in Bulwell which was discussed with NLAF 2-3 months ago. Being the first Order drafted by the City Council legal advice is being sought on the contents of the Order and Notice with formal consultation scheduled to commence towards the end of July. The meeting agreed that the most efficient process for future Gating Orders would be for the Chair and the Vice Chair to be sent a copy of the Order and decide whether it is necessary to call a meeting with other forum members.

5.5 The meeting were asked whether they would like to be consulted on the document regarding access to the English coast although it is not relevant to Nottingham. Trevor Muxlow has taken a copy of the document to read.

6 RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN CONSULTATION DRAFT

6.1 John Lee informed the meeting that only about 6 responses have

been received commenting on the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan. The Ramblers Association have provided a comprehensive response with both positive and critical comments. However John Lee believes that some of their requests are unrealistic such as requiring a date to be set when the Definitive Map will be complete.

6.2 Councillor Grocock, who approved the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan is no longer the Portfolio holder for Environment, Transport and Streets. The new Portfolio Holder for Transport, Economic Development and Skills will be required to approve the final document despite the fact that they have not approved the draft. It is not yet clear if this situation is satisfactory or not.

6.3 The meeting agreed that NLAF have a duty to ensure that the Rights of Way Improvement Plan is implemented. Tom Huggon suggested that the forum should start to consider the first year’s budget and priorities in order to ensure that by 2011 the aims have been achieved.

6.4 Schemes and budgets have already been allocated for the present financial year. NLAF will be asked for an input on schemes which may be considered for next financial year.

6.5 Schemes such as Hurts Yard which NLAF chose to direct funding towards were very successful. A future possibility for funding is providing Interpretation Boards in Colwick Park.

5 7 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

7.1 Wendy Judge announced her imminent retirement as Chair of

NLAF. Wendy believes that a change of Chair is healthy for the forum. John Boland will take over as Chair and a new Vice Chair All will be elected. Names for Vice Chair should be put forward at the next meeting in October with the New Chair taking over at the January meeting.

8 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

8.1 Wednesday 3rd October 2007 Note the change of meeting date to 1 week earlier

6 NOTTINGHAM LOCAL ACCESS FORUM

M I N U T E S of meeting held on 17th February 2010 at the Committee Room - Council House from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm

Di Banks  Tom Huggon  Malcolm Bescoby  Nick Hynes  John Boland (Chair)  Diane Moore  Don Cameron  Trevor Muxlow  Mary Myles Bill Wright  Roger Codling  Councillor Urquhart  Mary Collison Chris Thompson  Angela Cooke (Vice Chair)  Councillor Grocock (for items 1 to 3.7; left to attend another meeting)

 - indicates present at meeting

Also in attendance

John Lee, Public Rights of Way, Nottingham City Council (Advisor) Matt Leek, Traffic Management, Nottingham City Council (Secretary)

1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Bill Wright & Chris Thompson

2 MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

2.1 In relation to item 4 of the previous minutes, John Lee advised that should objections be made to the stopping up order for Footpath No. 28 Nottingham Midland Station, the planning inspectorate which would conduct the Public Inquiry to consider the opposed order and objections does not have the power to revisit the merits of the planning permission.

2.2 Item 4: Councillor Grocock asked whether planning permission prevents other avenues from being explored in terms of pedestrian access.

2.3 Item 4: John Lee advised that public access would be available to and through the station but would be permissive as opposed to public.

2.4 Item 4: Tom Huggon stated that even though the development had been given planning permission, conditions should be made for another footpath, but not a concessionary one. Tom also asked John Lee to keep the LAF up to date with the development.

2.5 On the standard planning application form there is a question about whether the proposed development affects a public right of way. There are many unregistered public paths used by the public daily but because

1 they are not registered on the definitive map and statement, they may be overlooked and this is one reason why such paths needs registering on the map and statement.

2.6 Discussion took place regarding the formation of a sub-group to look at planning applications so that the LAF can provide comments on future developments (see item 5 below).

2.7 Trevor Muxlow – Clifton Suspension bridge is now open; however the grass along the embankment is in bad repair.

2.8 Councillor Grocock advised that he would speak to Councillor Trimble to Cllr discuss the condition of the embankment. Grocock

3 PRESENTATION: MAINTENANCE OF HIGHWAYS IN NOTTINGHAM (CHRIS KEANE, TEAM LEADER, HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE.

3.1 Chris Keane gave a presentation regarding the remit and responsibilities of the section he works for. This included how the City is broken down into 10 areas and how highway inspectors associated with these areas perform their duties. The presentation also included information on how maintenance issues are reported, recorded, assessed and rectified. Chris Keane then responded to questions from the floor which included: Cleansing of leaves from the carriageway but not the footway; gritting of footways; the February/March spending spree; insensitive tree works; City and County Council cross boundary maintenance agreements; and policy regarding retention of York stone & granite paving.

3.2 In response to the issue of leaf cleansing and why it takes two members Chris of staff to clear leaves; Chris Keane would liaise with colleagues at City Keane Services who undertake cleansing work and will provide a response to the next LAF meeting.

3.3 In response to the issue of footway gritting; Chris Keane explained that the gritting teams are not able to grit every pavement and they have to prioritise these accordingly. Gritting to key public buildings should be increased during periods of prolonged icy weather. He also explained that sooner than reduce the numbers of roads and footways gritted, a mixture of sand with salt had been used which enabled them to continue gritting throughout the icy weather.

3.4 In response to the question why there is always increased highway works taking place during February / March and whether this had anything to do with spending budgets before the end of the financial year? Chris Keane advised that the nature of some of the works means that they can only be carried out at certain times of the year and there is no excess of money to be used February / March, but acknowledged that the perception is often otherwise.

3.5 In response to insensitive tree works; Chris Keane advised that these

2 works are carried out by qualified staff to set protocols and was surprised that they would be undertaken without due care.

3.6 In response to location of maintenance boundary lines between the City and County Council’s; Chris Keane advised that cross boundary agreements exist so their responsibilities are highlighted which avoids any ambiguity or duplication of works.

3.7 In response to the retention of York stone and granite paving following maintenance or construction works; Chris Keane advised that if these are situated within an conservation area, where York stone existed these sets would be retained although it is sometimes more expensive to replace damaged or missing stones than to remove them. If not in conservation area, the sets would be removed and replaced with concrete but stored and reused in other areas. Consultation may also be undertaken within the locality to establish local preferences.

4 STATUTORY ROLE OF THE NLAF, ENGLISH NATURE AND NOTTINGHAM CITY COUNCIL: HOW TO DEAL WITH CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND HOW TO AVOID THEM (DIANE MOORE).

4.1 Diane Moore - explained that the LAF is a statutory consultee but are often overlooked, for example at the recent LTP3 workshop for One Nottingham, there was no mention of the LAF. Diane Moore also believes that public inquiries are a good way to see both sides of an argument and members should try and attend relevant ones. Concerns were also raised about the lack of progress and cited the gating order at Holland Street, Radford as an example, where the LAF were asked to look at the gating order but then nothing has happened since. The Tram was used as an example of how access to the Tram in some isolated areas could be improved and the LAF should be more proactive in finding out about access issues. Diane also explained that she felt frustrated regarding a lack of timescales being stipulated for gating orders and other rights of way work.

4.2 Tom Huggon explained that quite often it is difficult to work to precise timescales because there are a lot of inter-dependencies that cannot always be controlled and legal orders affecting rights of way often take years to complete.

4.3 John Lee explained that the Council are still waiting for residents from Holland Street to submit their information. The persons who requested the gating order had not submitted their evidence and until they do so this cannot be progressed. Diane will be informed as soon as any information is received.

4.4 John Lee also advised that colleagues from the Councils LTP team will be giving a presentation on LTP3 as part of their consultation and there will be many opportunities for the LAF to get actively involved in refreshing the ROWIP. John Lee confirmed that the new ROWIP will not

3 be an annex to the LTP3 mainly because the ROWIP covers issues such as the Council’s statutory duties to assert and protect rights of way which are not really relevant to the LTP. The next ROWIP will concentrate on reviewing what we achieved in the ROWIP and then set out actions, deadlines etc sooner than repeat all the background information. The next ROWIP will be a user friendly document with clear targets and objectives.

5 IMPROVING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN NOTTINGHAM CITY COUNCIL OFFICERS AND NLAF MEMBERS: GATING ORDERS, PLANNING APPLICATIONS ETC (JOHN LEE).

Planning applications

5.1 John Lee advised that Grant Butterworth, Head of the Council’s Planning, Transport and Intelligence Strategy, had sent the LAF a consultation letter on the Greater Nottingham Aligned Core Strategies which looked at development across Nottingham over the next 15 - 20 years. Each member was provided with a copy of the letter.

5.2 John Lee asked members how they would like to be consulted on planning applications.

5.3 Tom Huggon advised that a sub group would have to be formed to discuss planning applications as this would take too long during LAF meetings.

5.4 Diane Moore raised training for planning applications. John Lee advised that training may overly influence how the LAF sub group responds and he wanted to encourage fresh ideas. Most members agreed that training was not necessary.

5.5 The following members agreed to sit on the LAF planning sub group: John Lee Roger Codling, John Boland, Diane Moore, Nick Hynes and Trevor / Matt Muxlow. Agreed that John Lee / Matt Leek will write to these members Leek with details of how this will be progressed.

5.6 Tom Huggon volunteered to review the Nottingham Aligned Core John Lee Strategies. / Matt Leek

Gating Orders

5.7 The following members agreed to sit on the LAF gating order sub group: John Lee Diane Moore, Malcolm Bescoby and Don Cameron. Agreed that John / Matt Lee / Matt Leek will write to these members with details of how this will Leek be progressed.

5.8 John Lee advised that a Gating Order at Brewsters Park, St Ann’s has just been authorised by the Council’s Mapperley and Sherwood (Area 5)

4 Committee, which is supported by the Police drug action team.

6 LAF TERMS OF REFERENCE: MEMBERSHIP 2010 AND APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIR AND RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS

6.1 Discussion took place regarding the re-election of members and it was agreed that this should be tidied up, especially when the forum submit representations on planning applications or to the inquiry for the Nottingham Park Estate. It was decided that members who have served on the LAF for three or more years could put themselves forward if they wanted to continue.

6.2 Tom Huggon, Roger Codling, Nick Hynes, Trevor Muxlow, John Boland and Angela Cooke put themselves forward for reappointment.

6.3 John Boland (Chair) and Angela Cooke (Vice Chair) agreed to continue in their current roles for a period of one year.

6.4 There was a show of hands by members who wished to be reappointed. To formally reappoint members it was agreed that a form should be sent out to all members and those who wished to be reappointed can then be ratified by Councillor Urquhart in her capacity as Portfolio Holder for Transport and Area Working.

6.5 Mary Miles indicated that she would like to resign and will send her formal resignation in due course.

6.6 It was also agreed that those members who have not attended meetings Matt for a one year period will be advised that their membership has been Leek / terminated in line with the LAF Terms of Reference. John Lee

6.7 John Lee advised that Bill Clark had sent in a letter of resignation due to John ill health and that Bill had wished the forum best wishes and success in Lee/ the future. John Boland

7 UPDATE ON PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY WITHIN NOTTINGHAM: PUBLIC PATH ORDERS, CREATION AGREEMENTS, GATING ORDERS AND MODIFICATION ORDERS.

7.1 Gating Order for Brewsters Park had been published and is currently going through the consultation process (see item 5.8 above). The Nottingham Park Estate opposed modification order was on course to progress to public inquiry.

7.2 Roger Codling asked about progress with Creation Orders. John Lee explained that progress is rather slow and other matters have taken priority such as the Nottingham Park Estate.

7.3 Don Cameron asked when the gates at the Nottingham Park Estate

5 were open. John Lee advised that the gates were open at 06:00 and closed at 23:00.

7.4 Tom Huggon enquired as to whether there had been any news regarding the through route in the Broadmarsh Centre. John Lee advised that as far as he was aware this proposal was not being progressed and colleagues in Transport Strategy would oppose this proposal as it forms part of a primary pedestrian route.

8 INVITE TO LAF WORKSHOP.

8.1 Matt Leek advised members that forms were available at the end of the meeting should members wish to attend the East Midlands LAF Workshop on 23rd March 2010 and to advise natural England direct if they wish to attend.

8.2 Roger Codling enquired about expenses. John Lee advised that expenses will be met as long as they are reasonable, which is covered by the LAF Terms of Reference.

9 AOB

9.1 Angela Cooke advised that the Police were developing a plan to restrict unauthorised vehicle access to Colwick Woods. John Lee advised that some improvements had been made to Colwick Road access point and that a motorcycle inhibitor barrier would be installed as part of this work.

9.2 John Lee informed the group of the draft document ‘Stepping Forward’ covering the Discovering Lost Ways project that sets out the stakeholder’s proposals to speed up the process of recording unregistered public paths and the need to amend primary legislation for example the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This document is published March 2010 for consultation.

9.3 John Boland explained that the East Midlands LAF and England Access Forum have withdrawn their co-operation with Natural England, due to a lack of support from NE.

10 DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS

Wednesday 7th April 2010 in the Committee Room.

6 NOTTINGHAM LOCAL ACCESS FORUM

M I N U T E S of meeting held on 7th October 2009 at the Committee Room - Council House from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm

Di Banks  Tom Huggon  Malcolm Bescoby Nick Hynes  John Boland (Chair)  Diane Moore  Don Cameron  Trevor Muxlow Bill Clarke Mary Myles  Roger Codling  Bill Wright  Mary Collison Councillor Urquhart Angela Cooke (Vice Chair)  Councillor Grocock

 - indicates present at meeting

Also in attendance

John Lee, Public Rights of Way, Nottingham City Council (Advisor) Matt Leek, Traffic Management, Nottingham City Council (Secretary)

1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Angela Cooke, Bill Clark, Nick Hynes, Councillor Urquhart

2 MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

2.1 John Lee advised members that Chris Thompson from the Nottinghamshire Ramblers Association had requested to join the NLAF. Members agreed.

2.2 In relation to item 4.4 of the previous minutes, County Council, Leicestershire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and their respective City Councils (the 6 C’s) are in the process of drafting a joint guidance plan for highways, transportation and development which will provide consistent guidance for developers and planners. Discussion then took place over the pros and cons of adopting the 6 C’s strategy.

2.3 Councillor Grocock believes that this approach would raise the profile of rights of way if it was consistent throughout the 6 C’s.

2.4 Tom Huggon agreed with Councillor Grocock but expressed concerns about the importance of the Authority’s position on Public Rights of Way within the document being watered down.

1 2.5 Councillor Grocock agreed: Planners shouldn’t reach decisions without informing people of the impact on rights of way.

2.6 With reference to item 5.1 of the previous minutes, the Nottingham Park Estate Limited (NPEL) rejected the objection submitted by the LAF. There appears to be some disparity surrounding the NPEL ownership in the area.

2.7 It is up to the NPEL to settle this issue themselves; however, John Lee will be writing to the Land Registry to try and resolve the situation. He has also asked NPEL to do the same.

2.8 Tom Huggon asserted that NPEL can’t do as they like. The reason why NPEL have been given their powers is because they maintain their own roads and footpaths which is nothing to do with their public status. Common Law over-rides Park Estate Act. The City Council should put their full weight to get the gates removed.

2.9 Councillor Grocock asked if Malcolm Townrowe (Legal Services Manager) has been involved to issue a legal letter to NPEL.

2.10 John Lee advised that Legal Services had been fully involved.

2.11 Due to the uncertainty of the NPEL ownership further investigations need to be carried out before further action is taken.

2.12 Footpath at Pelham Crescent and Harlaxton Drive is clearly not within the Park Estate but is gated. Nottingham City Council is to serve Notice on the NPEL to remove gates. The Portfolio Holder for Transport and Area Working also needs to be briefed. John Lee to meet with Councillor Urquhart.

2.13 Bader Road – Local residents, Klondyke Allotment Association and South Endowed Primary School seem to be totally opposed to the footpath. Public meeting to take place on 4th November 2009 at Wilford Moderns RFC.

2.14 With reference to item 4.3 of the previous minutes, Roger Codling questioned whether money from the area capital programme was being used for improvements or maintenance. Members agreed that this was one of the same.

3 UPDATE ON PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY WITHIN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE INCLUDING PUBLIC PATH ORDERS AND MODIFICATION ORDERS RECENTLY MADE / CONFIRMED.

3.1 Nottingham University have acquired land on the north side of Clifton Bridge. They have agreed in principle to dedicate a strip of land next to the waterfront as a footpath which will form part of the Big Track. Should be completed by early 2010.

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3.2 Tesco’s own a section of the disused rail corridor running along Road and have agreed in principle to dedicate a strip of this as a public right of way. Should be completed by December 2009.

4 NOTTINGHAM MIDLAND STATION “THE HUB” – FOOTPATH NO. 28

4.1 John Lee gave a presentation on “The Hub” and its impact upon footpath no. 28.

4.2 Roger Codling asked whether a diversion Order had been used for the previous bridge. John Lee advised that you cannot divert a public right of way onto another public right of way, so the previous right of way was diverted onto a bridge that was not already public.

4.3 John Boland enquired whether the development had planning permission. John Lee advised planning permission had been granted. The issue now was to ascertain whether the statutory criteria is met to make a Stopping Up Order under Section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to enable the development to take place.

4.4 Tom Huggon questioned whether the new bridge for the Tram would be available to the public to cross the development. John Lee advised that this was a possibility, although it would be a permissive right of way as opposed to a public right of way.

4.5 Diane Moore suggested that with issues as complex as “The Hub” it would be useful to look at the planning file to contribute in greater depth. Members commented that they had the opportunity to do this a couple of years ago when the planning application was first made (before Diane was on the forum)

4.6 John Lee advised that if Platform 7 were to go ahead it would be classed as permitted development.

4.7 Approximate timescales for the Stopping Up Order are; report to Area 8 Committee for approval January 2010, publish order February objection period ends 28 days latter. By March / April 2010 representations will be will be assessed.

4.8 John Boland enquired what the LAF can do. In response, Tom Huggon stated that in relation to the planning side, the battle was lost.

4.9 John Boland asked whether the forum should make their feelings known to Nottingham Express Transit (NET). In response, Tom Huggon believed that the forum shouldn’t object but should make it plain that the forum is disappointed considering previous correspondence from John Boland.

3 4.10 Councillor Grocock stated that “The Hub” is all about futuristic transport throughout the city. There are always going to be winners and losers. In the long term, this may not be a bad thing.

4.11 Tom Huggon proposed that based on the available information and the fact that the merits of the planning application cannot be revisited, the forum should not object to the Stopping Up Order but instead should draft a letter to the Planning Authority setting out our disappointment that the footpath could not be protected as part of the development scheme. Members agreed.

4.12 John Boland to draft letter with John Lee. John Lee and John Boland

5 ROWIP (RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN) AND LTP (LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN) INTEGRATION (2010/11)

5.1 Information sheets were handed out with regards to ROWIP and LTP integration for 2010/11.

6 GATING ORDERS: UPDATE FROM LAF MEMBERS.

6.1 Holland Street – Diane Moore advised that she had liaised with a local resident with regards to the area who commented that there was a lot of ASB (anti-social behaviour) on the path. Concerns were expressed that if the path was closed off, where would the perpetrators of the crime/ASB be displaced to. The issues are wider than the gating order and the whole picture needs to be addressed.

6.2 Roger Codling – Would a gating order inconvenience other people? The path can be used to access the Mary Potter Centre.

6.3 Councillor Grocock – Have we spoken to the Neighbourhood Manager regarding the illicit problems?

6.4 John Lee – It doesn’t just have to be residential dwellings that are affected it can be land including car parks etc that count as premises.

6.5 Councillor Grocock enquired whether the area falls within an alcohol free street scheme where there is a zero tolerance.

6.6 John Lee to keep Diane updated if the Council receive evidence from the residents and police.

6.7 Poultry Arcade: Tom Huggon - Application to gate Poultry Arcade at night is supported by the Leader of the Council due to allegations of crime and disorder. There is evidence of urination, drinking but no evidence of stolen goods or needles.

6.8 Tom Huggon gave a summary of his findings regarding the application for a Gating Order at Poultry Arcade – Are adjoining and adjacent

4 premises affected – yes, but this is minor. Does the footpath facilitate the persistent commission of criminal offences or anti-social behaviour – no more or less than in the immediate area. Is it expedient to make the Order – Infringements do not appear serious.

6.9 Tom Huggon – On page 27 & 28 of the City Centre Design Guide there is a map showing ancient alleyways which have been identified for protection and improvement. The Design Guide goes on to state their importance for the movement of people around the city centre. Gating Poultry Arcade would be contrary to this.

6.10 John Lee – Poultry Arcade also acts as a fire exit which must be taken into consideration. There is also a tunnel underneath so any gates would have to be light to ensure they didn’t fall through. There had been a few inconsistent attempts to keep on top of cleansing.

6.11 With regards to Poultry Arcade, it was decided to wait for returned log sheets and information from the CDP and ASB helpline. This will then be taken to the Area Committee who will decide whether to authorise the Gating Order.

6.12 Roger Codling: Bridgnorth Drive is riddled with access corridors which may be used as shortcuts.

6.13 John Lee advised that he had been asked by Area 9 Committee to establish whether the footpath on Bridgnorth Drive was facilitating the crime and ASB in the area. The Crime & Drugs Partnership (CDP) and the ASB helpline did not have any reported incidents so no conclusive evidence to support a gating order.

6.14 The forum decided not to progress the Gating Order at Bridgnorth Drive.

6.15 The Forum decided to progress the gating Order for Holland Street

6.16 Malcolm Bescoby enquired if it was possible to improve Poultry Arcade giving that Hurts Yard was improved a few years ago with input from the Forum.

6.17 Councillor Grocock advised that he may be able to have some input to cleanse the path. He would find out the cleaning regime and make enquiries.

6.18 Diane Moore asked if the importance of these alleyways was covered in the ROWIP.

7 AOB

7.1 Malcolm Bescoby requested an update on the suspension bridge. This has been delayed due to more structural damage being found.

5 7.2 Trevor Muxlow expressed concerns about the embankment which he Matt believes is beautiful but neglected. There is also the issue of Canadian Leek to Geese and droppings on the grass and path. contact Darren Tattersall re: cleaning regime.

7.3 John Lee stated that it may be appropriate to look at the amount of time members have served within the LAF and maybe also look at those members who have not attended meetings for more than an year.

7.4 Councillor Grocock asked how people are invited to join forum. If members miss two meetings they should be contacted to ascertain if they want to reconsider their membership.

7.5 John Lee – A notice is placed in the Evening Post and on public paths and open spaces such as Wollaton Park. Prospective members are given an application form and job specification. They are then asked to complete the form and successful applicants are interviewed.

7.6 Tom Huggon – In line with the forum Terms of Reference, members should be re-appointed.

7.7 Some time at the next meeting will be dedicated to voting and discussing new chair and vice chair roles

7.8 Diane Moore – Whilst attending an EA Pollution Control Committee, members were given a microphone and encouraged to contribute throughout the meeting. Could this be transposed?

8 DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS

8.1 Wednesday 13th January 2010 at the Tea Room. Wednesday 7th April 2010 at the Tea Room. Wednesday 7th July 2010 at the Tea Room. Wednesday 6th October 2010 at the Tea Room.

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