Minutes:
Richard Walton, Public Rights of Way Manager, gave an update.
There had been difficulties recruiting for the Senior Officer post (Legal and Development), this being the second time of advertising. The number of applicants was very low and it had not been possible to shortlist. The role was being looked at, including on the basis of HR advice. A business case was being made for two additional senior roles as it was evident that there is a shortage of applicants with the relevant qualifications and experience for what is a complex role, plus there is a need to more effectively deliver land management responsibilities at the right level over and above usual public rights of way work, for example the Exe Estuary.
The part-time Technical Officer had retired and this was being advertised as a full-time post, leading on GIS work and landowner statements and deposits. Interest from qualified people had already been expressed.
The January 2026 cut-off date (as set out in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) for claims made on historic evidence is likely to be repealed. Initial thoughts were that the date might be extended but the indication from Defra is that it will be removed altogether. This is unlikely to require a change in current work priorities; business will continue as usual on the Definitive Map Review, and there are numerous Definitive Map Modification Orders in the pipeline. Following the pandemic, parish meetings were now being held in person.
The Restoring Stover Park project had been reprofiled due to cost implications in relation to rising inflation. Priority would be placed on works with the most direct public benefit. Positive feedback had been received from a meeting with the National Lottery Heritage Fund officers and they were still willing, in principle, to allocate the same amount of money. Devon County Council’s Cabinet had given approval for the bid to be submitted and this will take place at the end of May. It is hoped that the DCAF will still be happy to provide a letter in support of the bid.
The National Parks and AONBs in Devon had fed back comments on the Protected Landscapes consultation, as had Devon County Council. A suggestion had been made about blanket Traffic Regulation Orders in the National Parks, but this had not been considered appropriate as motor vehicle use of unclassified, unsurfaced county roads and byways open to all traffic was not a particular problem on Dartmoor and Exmoor. Feedback had been made that there may be a role for local level powers to deal with specific issues.
Works were taking place on the England Coast Path at Torcross where contractors were on site to deal with cliff stabilisation works. Although the weather had been fine, high spring tides had caused some delays. At Croyde a causeway along a public footpath on the beach would be restored and negotiations were taking place with a second contractor after the first one withdrew. The timetable for works was being adjusted but there should still be time to complete in relation to grant funding.
Three potential bids were being submitted:
1. Signage between Kingswear and Lyme Regis
2. A South West Coast Path Association recommended project at Dyers Lookout in North Devon to install a zigzag path and deal with a gully and eroded stretch. A site meeting with the estate had been arranged.
3. A high tide route at Mothecombe.
In answer to a question about DCAF support for a change in budget to allow for the additional senior post, Richard Walton confirmed that there was strong internal support in relation to need but funding constraints could be an issue. DCAF support was probably not required at this stage. He agreed there were capacity issues currently and he was dealing with as much as possible, supported by other members of staff. Appointing soon to the new Technical Officer post would be helpful.