EAST RIDING OF AND Joint Local Access Forum

9th Annual Report 2012 - 2013 WELCOME TO THE NINTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE AND KINGSTON UPON HULL JOINT LOCAL ACCESS FORUM

Chairman’s Summary

At the end of my first full year as Chair of the East the Aldbrough Gas Caverns development. We have Riding and Kingston upon Hull Joint Local Access also requested that appropriate access measures Forum, I would like to thank my predecessor Hazel are incorporated into development proposals being Armstrong, who is now also my Vice Chair, for her undertaken at St Andrews Quay in Hull. Our plans time, support and considerable input to the work to develop and update LAF position statements in of the LAF. At the beginning of my Chair’s term in key policy areas are currently “work in progress”, June 2012, seven new members joined the Forum although we have established new sub-groups looking and I would like to thank all of our members for at both planning matters and the management of their contribution to the meetings, consultations green lanes. and workshops that have been held throughout the Looking forward, it promises to be a busy year ahead. year. My thanks also to our Secretariat team, Liz We will continue to work closely with both our Russell, Steve Howdle and Helen Reynolds for their local authorities and the LAF will be involved in the administrative support and for keeping us all on development of a new Countryside Access Strategy track, and to the attending officers from both East for the East Riding. This will be an extremely Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council. important document, shaping countryside access The Chinese valediction, “May you live in interesting service delivery in the current challenging times times”, would certainly be appropriate for this and beyond. This annual report also again includes last year of the Forum`s operation. As central progress reports for both the Hull and East Riding government progresses with its policy of demanding Rights of Way Improvement Plans (ROWIPs). local authorities be responsible for more with Members of the public are always welcome to attend reduced central funding whilst, at the same time, our meetings and details are easily accessible online “rationalising” Defra, life has become interesting. or through the Secretariat. Our quarterly minutes However, it has been a positive year for the Forum are available online at www.eastriding.gov.uk and overall. provide an interesting insight into the broad scope of The Chair and Vice Chair have continued to attend work which we undertake, and the commitment the the regional LAF meetings in Leeds and in February members of the LAF have. this year the Vice Chair attended the National LAF Our charter directs us to “engage in constructive Conference in Sheffield. These meetings outside of debate and to seek consensus wherever possible”. our usual quarterly meetings have proven invaluable This is an interesting task when considering that in strengthening working relationships with other those using the countryside may all have valid but LAFs, Natural and Defra. differing interests in the variety of levels of access to Over this last year the LAF has contributed to a rights of way. However, if we all continue to respect range of policy/strategy documents, including the and exercise our own rights and responsibilities East Riding and North Yorkshire Waterways Strategy whether we are working, resting or playing in the and a LEADER funded feasibility study of the Market countryside, it will continue to provide for us our Weighton Canal and Corridor. pleasure and enjoyment for many years to come.

Members of the LAF also attended a consultation Clive Bolton event relating to the forthcoming East Riding Local Plan, working jointly with the East Riding of Yorkshire Chairman Rural Partnership, to help inform our consultation The East Riding of Yorkshire and Kingston upon Hull response. Joint Local Access Forum May 2013 The LAF has provided advice on access matters relating to two large infrastructure developments, the proposed Creyke Beck Converter Station and

2 Membership of the Joint Local Access Forum

The Forum is constituted to provide a balance of views representing: • Different recreational user interests • Landowners and land managers • Other relevant interests There are currently nineteen members of the Forum.

Name Interests Represented

Clive Bolton (Vice Chair) Walking and Dog Walking Hazel Armstrong (Chair) Equestrianism, Social Inclusion and Health Peter Ayling Walking and Conservation Michael Butler Rural Business John Gatenby Conservation and Farming John Nicholson Waterways, Transport, Walking and Cycling Stephen Richardson Country Sports, Conservation and Business Rosemary Stanley Walking and Conservation Brian Witty Cycling and Sustainable Transport *Michael Benson Cycling and Canoeing *Michael Brookes Walking, Conservation and Heritage *Gordon Hawcroft Farming, Rural Tourism and Conservation *John Jessop Walking, Horse Riding and Social Inclusion *Stephen King Walking and Rural Business *Magnus Roche Trail Riding, 4x4 User and Business *Matthew Williams Walking, Orienteering and Youth Groups Councillor Arthur Hodgson (East Riding of Yorkshire Council) Elected Member Representative Councillor Bryan Pearson (East Riding of Yorkshire Council) Elected Member Representative Councillor Terry Geraghty (Hull City Council) Elected Member Representative

• * Following a successful recruitment process, seven new forum members joined the LAF with effect from June 2012 • Clive Bolton was elected as Chair with effect from June 2012 until June 2014 • Hazel Armstrong was elected as Vice Chair with effect from June 2012 until June 2014

3 Summary of Achievements in the 2012-13 Year Forum Meetings Four formal meetings of the Local Access Forum were held during the year:

No. of forum No. of members No. of invited Date Venue members of public in officers attending attendance attending 13 June 2012 - AGM Flamborough WI Hall 14 9 7 12 September 2012 Woodmansey Village Hall 12 4 6 12 December 2012 County Hall, 14 0 9 13 March 2013 The Courtyard, 13 7 5

Other Meetings, Events and Sub-Groups May 2012 – Induction Event for New Members August 2012 – Defra PROW Policy and Legal Framework sub-group September 2012 – Countryside Access Strategy Workshop November 2012 – East Riding and North Yorkshire Waterways Partnership Conference January 2013 – East Riding of Yorkshire Rural Strategy Action Planning Workshops February 2013 – Local Access Forum National Conference February 2013 – East Riding Local Plan Consultation Workshop Individual members also represented the Local Access Forum on external bodies, including the Yorkshire and Regional Access Forum, East Riding of Yorkshire Rural Partnership, East Riding of Yorkshire Public Rights of Way Joint Liaison Group, East Yorkshire Transport Partnership, East Riding Cultural Partnership, The ‘Coast, Wolds, Wetlands and Waterways’ LEADER Local Action Group, East Riding and North Yorkshire Waterways Partnership, Disability Advisory and Monitoring Group (DAMG), Dogger Bank/ Creyke Beck Community Liaison Group, and Yorkshire Wolds Landscape Partnership. Consultation Responses and Other Advice Issued Members of the Forum responded to the following consultations during the year:

Organisation Consultation Document(s) • East Riding and North Yorkshire Waterways Strategy • Aldbrough Gas Storage – planning proposals East Riding of Yorkshire Council • East Riding Local Plan Draft Strategy • 8 Public Path Orders and/or Definitive Map Modification Orders

• Department for Transport Stopping Up Order Consultation Department for Transport (DfT) • Setting Local Speed Limits Guidance

Natural England • A Family of Unique Trails – The future management of National Trails

Defra • Public Rights of Way Policy and Legal Framework

Countryside Consulting commissioned by Newport Parish Council on behalf of East Riding and North • and River Foulness Investigation Study Yorkshire Waterways Partnership

The Forum issued the following statutory Section 94(4) Advice Notice during the year: • St Andrews Dock – with reference to a planning application for further development of St Andrews Dock currently being considered by Hull City Council – A full planning decision is still pending Other Reports The Secretariat submitted a briefing note to the Environment and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee – East Riding of Yorkshire Council – July 2012 to inform members of the Sub-Committee of the statutory role of the Local Access Forum and a summary of selected key issues. The briefing note had been requested as part of the Sub-Committee’s 2012/13 work programme. The Secretariat also produced an annual update report for East Riding of Yorkshire Council (Cabinet and Corporate Management Team) and Hull City Council. Other Business Discussed at Forum Meetings A broad range of topics were discussed at forum meetings during the year, including: Paths for Communities programme; The future management of green lanes in the East Riding; Dedication of National Nature Reserves; ‘Huddle’ (online discussion forum); East Riding of Yorkshire Rural Strategy; Development of an East Riding of Yorkshire Countryside Access Strategy; Land-locked access on access land; Customer Service Standards; Temporary closure order procedures; Coastal Path in the East Riding; Quays development proposals; Hull Old Town swing bridge; LAF forward work plan 2013/14. 4 Invited Officers and Observers

Members of the Forum would like to thank the following officers for their regular attendance at forum meetings and for their ongoing support and advice: • Allan Davidson – Sustainable Travel Officer, Hull City Council • Michael Ibbotson – Transport Policy Manager, Hull City Council • Judith Rockliff – Engineer, Definitive Map Team, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Sarah Rutt – Assistant Engineer, Definitive Map Team, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Clare Wilkins – Assistant Engineer, Definitive Map Team, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Patrick Wharam – Countryside Access Manager, East Riding of Yorkshire Council

The following officers and external contacts also provided reports, updates or information to the Forum during the year, and their help and assistance is appreciated: • Peter Ashcroft – Head of Planning and Development Management, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • James Cokeham – Waterways Partnership Coordinator, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • David Farnsworth – Rural Partnership Officer, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Gordon Grimley – Assistant Engineer, Definitive Map Team, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Annabel Hanson – Leisure, Tourism and Culture Policy Officer, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Mark Jessop – Principal Transport Policy Officer, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Jessica Lee – Planning Officer, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Owen Robinson – Senior Strategic Planning Officer, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Gordon Scaife – Principal Leisure, Tourism and Culture Policy Officer, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Nadine Senior – Local Nature Partnership Development Officer, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • David Harris – Development Manager, Planning Development, Economic Development and Regeneration, Hull City Council • Rachel Briggs – Regional LAF Secretariat – Yorkshire Dales NPA • Philip Robinson – Lead Advisor People and Partnerships Team (North and Midlands), Natural England

Forum Secretariat

East Riding of Yorkshire Council provides the Secretariat to the Forum. The following officers are thanked for their support during the year: • Elizabeth Russell, Committee Manager • Steve Howdle, Rural Development Officer • Helen Reynolds, Rural Officer

Objectives for 2013-14

The Local Access Forum has set the following broad objectives for the next twelve-month period: • Provide advice on the development and delivery of a new Countryside Access Strategy for the East Riding of Yorkshire • Provide advice on the management of green lanes and contribute to the development of an appropriate policy • Respond to local and national consultation documents on important access and rights of way matters • Help promote progress against the Kingston upon Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire ROWIPs • Continue to support and actively participate in regional and national LAF activities

The Forum remains committed to working closely with East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council, and providing constructive advice to both councils and other public bodies. The Forum will develop and progress a detailed work programme during the next year.

5 East Riding of Yorkshire Rights of Way Improvement Plan (2008 - 2018) – Progress Update

Implementation update for 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013. 3c) Improve accessibility for those with restricted mobility or visual impairment. NHT survey data (2012) indicates that (in terms of Statement of Action 1 – Education and Promotion ease of use) more negative responses were received (37% negative 1a) Continue to monitor use of the ‘Walking the Riding’ website. to 25% positive). Data from random sample surveys show that 16% The site had 51,000 hits between 1 April 2012 and 31 March 2013, a of the network is barrier free and easy access. The council will work slight decrease on the previous 12 month period. towards increasing this percentage.

1b) Publicise information on PROW in a variety of locations. Statement of Action 4 – Route Maintenance and The council continues to provide information on walks and cycle rides Improvement via Tourist Information Centres, Leisure Centres and Libraries, via Random sample surveys data indicates that 63% of the network is the Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) and East Riding of Yorkshire open and available to use. Council ‘Walking the Riding’ web site, and by attending events and shows. According to the National Highways & Transport (NHT) 4a) Improve the maintenance programme in relation to undergrowth survey 2011 there was an equal proportion of customers who gave a and overgrowth. To date it is difficult to measure the number of ‘negative’ or ‘positive’ response to the level of information provided. defects submitted, relative to the number resolved. Progress to utilise (33 negative to 31 positive). the ‘Confirm’ software system is being made but it is recognised that this is slow. However, customers should be assured that important 1c) Promote the use of PROW and associated health benefits to all. issues on key routes are resolved, and the network condition The council continues to work alongside partners to develop circuits, is in good condition, but recognising that there is still room for healthy walking and support for the Walkers Welcome accreditation improvement. Evidence from officers is that a small number of defects scheme. Beverley has now achieved Walkers Welcome accreditation remain unresolved by the end of the financial year. More effective and is promoted as a healthy heart town. Health and wellbeing is an use of grounds maintenance contractors will continue to attempt to important part of the Access to the Countryside Strategy due for reduce the number of overgrown paths. publication in late 2013. 4b) Improve signage. Data from the NHT satisfaction surveys (2012) Statement of Action 2 – Network Connectivity shows that 52% of customers were satisfied, compared with 18% who Between 1 April 2012 and the end of March 2013 the public rights of were dissatisfied. way network was increased by 2.71km as a result of the addition of totally new routes and diversions where the new route was longer 4c) Reduce unauthorised use of public rights of way. than that being diverted. A substantial length of definitive footpath Work needs to take place to formalise procedures, improve was also upgraded to bridleway. This process does not increase the awareness, develop codes of conduct, network with users, and public rights of way network as the length of bridleway created is the enforce where appropriate. Work has commenced to try and improve same as the length of network previously classified as footpath. the management of green lanes and work with the Police to reduce illegal use of routes. 2a) Improve connectivity of the network for horse riders and cyclists. A total of 14.58 km of bridleway was added to the network, 11.12km 4d) Promote the benefits of the ‘Local Paths Partnership’ and Parish of which was achieved on council owned land by upgrading definitive and Town Councils to further develop the use of volunteers. footpath to bridleway on the South Holderness Rail Trail (8.78km) 36 local parishes work alongside the PROW team to keep their local and the Rail Trail (2.34km). The only section of rail trail still networks open. and Cowick, with external grant aid, have to be upgraded to bridleway is from Keyingham to Patrington. developed an impressive selection of circular walk cards. Volunteers from The Ramblers assist by contributing 100 days of voluntary work 2b) Improve the network by providing circular routes and linear links to improve the network for the public. between current routes or to a place of public interest. A footpath was diverted and upgraded to bridleway (455m) in the parish of 4e) Improve public awareness regarding control of dogs and dog Lockington thus linking the previously cul-de-sac Beswick Bridleway fouling. Data from random sample surveys suggest that less than 1% No. 23 to the main highway network. of the network is adversely affected by dog fouling. The PROW team work with the dog wardens to improve this issue at hotspot locations. 2c) Seek to provide off road links over land adjacent to the highway or develop the use of wide highway verges to link routes. A dedication Statement of Action 5 – Definitive Map and Statement agreement has created a 65m length of bridleway (Everingham 5a) Publish and update the digital PROW records on the ‘Walking the Bridleway No. 16) abutting Shipton Lane to provide an off road Riding’ and council websites. Records have been updated as set out in link between the eastern end of the Bubwith Rail Trail which was the ROWIP. upgraded this year from footpath to bridleway and Everingham Bridleway No 3. 5b) Process Definitive Map Modification Orders in line with current policy. The council accepted 4 applications made under Schedule 14 2d) Work within the planning process to secure PROW of the Wildlife and Countryside Act and rejected none. 2 applications improvements associated with development proposals. The council is that were rejected previously were unsuccessful on appeal to the working actively with the private sector to enhance the rights of way Secretary of State. 7 modification orders were confirmed, one after network/walking and cycling opportunities at Melton Business Park, written representations and one with modifications after a Public the Humber Bridge area and at Oak Hill (Goole). In addition, where Inquiry. 15 modification orders are currently in progress, of which applicable, the council is encouraging the allocation of S106 money 1 is to be determined by public inquiry, 2 by a public hearing, 1 by to improve access and accessibility. At work is planned written representations, 2 at Magistrates Court and a further 3 with to integrate residential development in a way that will ensure that outstanding objections are waiting for referral to the Secretary of residents can still access the countryside on the edge of the town. State.

Statement of Action 3 – Accessibility 5c) Consolidate and republish the Definitive Map for the East Riding. 3a) Undertake accessibility audits and grade routes. To date, 22 Legal Event Orders for old public path orders were made this year little comprehensive work has been carried out on the costs and to bring the Definitive Map up to date. Work will continue on this as complexity of the work. More work needs to be undertaken at a resources allow. national and local level before routes can be assessed in a structured and measurable way. 5d) Seek to resolve anomalies and missing links on the Definitive Map through diversion, extinguishment, creation or modification orders. 3b) Remove physical barriers to routes and increase easy access. A legal event modification order was made to correct an anomaly in Data from random sample surveys indicate that 89% of routes are the statement for a footpath in Welton. stile free. The target is to have a stile free network by 2020.

6 Hull City Council Rights of Way Improvement Plan (2009-2019) – Progress Update

Statement of Action 1 - Ensure public rights of way are clear Statement of Action 7 - Review of Definitive Map and of obstruction and well-maintained. Statement.

The City Council’s Highways Network Management team currently It is intended resources will be allocated to a regular working group conducts an annual inspection regime. Bi-annual inspection of the to help review the definitive map. The diversion route for PROW no. entire access network remains an aspiration, but budget and other 22 Alexandra Dock in relation to the Green Port Hull Development resource constraints, presently, restrict this activity. All routes were (details are available on the City Council’s web site), has still not been inspected in 2012 and cleared where required with effective use made progressed, pending development decision. of volunteer groups to ground clear, litter pick and repair paths. Greener Neighbourhoods Hull provided 6000 man hours on amongst Statement of Action 8 - Clearly identified processes others, routes 2 and 28. The Conservation Volunteers (formerly regarding implementing and modifying public rights of way. BTCV) provided 368 hours on routes 7 and 19 and the Community Task Force have delivered in excess of 1300 man hours on PROWs, A draft ‘easy read’ guide/leaflet is being produced – the final version including PROW No. 26. The City Council are continuing to address will be uploaded onto the City Council‘s website when resources access issues, particularly along the and the Humber become available. foreshore on routes 11, 22, 26, 27 and 28 where some sections Statement of Action 9 - Council website and publications have been closed off without appropriate diversions in place. Minor utilised more effectively. repair works have been undertaken or are scheduled, including the reinstatement of a southerly section of route 2 after erosion of the The inclusion of existing PROWs within the ‘Walking the Riding’ west bank of the River Hull. website has been undertaken to encourage better cross boundary access. The City Council’s PROW pages, including a plan showing Statement of Action 2 - Ensure public rights of way are route 32, will be undertaken later this year. The City Council is correctly signposted. working with Hearty Lives Hull, NHS Hull, British Heart Foundation, Sports Development, Ramblers, Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) and other organisations to better promote local walks and PROW. A new TPT The 2012 annual inspection identified all signs, poles, wording and website will involve a mapped section of the route in Hull, parts of condition. A full signing schedule has been prepared and mapped. which include various PROWs. Inconsistencies were evident with some damaged. The replacement of the worst ones, comprising some 20 signs and poles has been actioned. Waymarking is required on some routes, such as route 8. Statement of Action 10 - More interpretation on selected routes. Statement of Action 3 - Improve awareness of public rights of way through production of map(s). Improved interpretation will be provided on one identified path each year, including PROW No. 22 diversion at Alexandra Dock. There Local area maps (East North and West) showing sustainable travel has been no progress to date in working with the History Centre modes, including PROWs have been produced and published. A draft and user groups to create a priority list for interpretation on other ‘easy read’ guide/leaflet is still to be produced – the final version will significant routes, but this remains a ROWIP commitment. A bid for be uploaded onto the City Council’s website. Subject to resources, it landfill credit for the River Hull routes 2 and 6 was not taken forward is hoped that a PROW exhibition will be held in the History Centre with Greener Neighbourhoods Hull (GNH) as land ownership along next year. the banks is not fully under the City Council’s control. It is likely GNH will revisit this on a smaller scale in the future. Statement of Action 4 - Promote benefits of public rights of way.

Local Rights of Way are displayed on the City Council’s web site under the GIS mapping facility on the home/front page and East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s ‘Walking the Riding’ website. Sports Development have incorporated several Rights of Ways into local walking routes that can be found at www.walk4life.info. The City Council continues to work with Hearty Lives Hull, NHS Hull, British Heart Foundation, Sports Development, Ramblers etc to promote health and environmental benefits of walking.

Statement of Action 5 - Improve accessibility through improved surfaces, safer crossings etc.

Subject to resources, an accessibility audit of all PROWs will be undertaken with the assistance of the Equalities Access officer and relevant user groups.

Statement of Action 6 - Improve connectivity within the network.

The City Council is currently working with East Riding of Yorkshire Council to review/upgrade the status of disused rail lines to become bridleway and link into the City. In conjunction with this, a list of potential new path locations and existing routes which need to be upgraded will be prepared, giving priority to routes that lead to schools, bus stops and other public transport connection points.

7 East Riding of Yorkshire and Kingston upon Hull Joint Local Access Forum

The Local Access Forum is a statutory advisory body, independent of but administered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council in partnership with Hull City Council. The Forum meets on a quarterly basis and consists of unpaid volunteers representing a range of countryside and access interests. Elected Member representatives from both Councils also sit on the Forum.

Local Access Forums were established under section 94 of the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000 and operate in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Local Access Forums (England) Regulations 2007.

The Forum has the statutory authority to provide advice to appropriate ‘section 94(4) bodies’, including East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Hull City Council and relevant central government departments and agencies, in the following areas of interest:

• Improvement of public access to land in the area (whether on foot or by horse, cycle, canoe, mechanically propelled vehicle or any other lawful means) for the purposes of open-air recreation and the enjoyment of the area. • Public access to land in the area for any other lawful purpose, whether on foot, horse, cycle, canoe or by any means other than by mechanically propelled vehicle. • Public access to land in the area by means of a mechanically propelled vehicle for any other lawful purpose, but only insofar as the access relates to byways open to all traffic (BOAT).

Section 94(4) bodies are statutorily required ‘to have regard, in carrying out their functions, to any relevant advice given to them’ by Local Access Forums.

Quarterly meetings of the Local Access Forum, and the Annual General Meeting, are held in public and minutes of the meetings are available online or by request from the Secretariat.

Useful links Photography credits www.hullcc.gov.uk M Benson, M Roche, G Hawcroft www.naturalengland.org.uk East Riding of Yorkshire Council www.walkingtheriding.eastriding.gov.uk Hull City Council and Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) www.visithullandeastyorkshire.com

This report is also available in electronic format. For further information please contact: East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Rural Policy & Partnerships Team, County Hall, Beverley HU17 9BA

Tel: (01482) 391691 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.eastriding.gov.uk

East Riding of Yorkshire Council will, on request, provide this document in Braille, audio or Large Print Format. If English is not your first language, please telephone (01482) 393939.

The East Riding of Yorkshire East Riding of Yorkshire & Kingston Upon Hull Rural Partnership Joint Local Access Forum