Minutes:
Richard Walton, Public Rights of Way and Country Parks Manager, highlighted current matters.
a) Staffing
Interviewing would take place shortly for the Senior Officer (Access and Trails) for South Devon. The current postholder, Steve Gardner, has moved to a warden post in response to a request to take up the more active, area based role (following the retirement of Jonathan Rowlands).
b) Framework Agreement
The new Framework Agreement for DCC contractors for the next four-year period, commencing in April 2025, was being worked on and would be live in October. A new category had been added to include technical services such as prices for supporting inspections regimes and Environment Agency permits, and possibly also assisting with applications for path orders and ‘Right to Apply’. Some of the contractors had relevant skills to deliver on these work topics.
The Chair confirmed the Stakeholder Working Group had not met recently and the implementation of rights of way provisions within the the Deregulation Act had stalled following the Election and departure of a key civil servant.
c) Rights of Way Improvement Plan
The Rights of Way Improvement Plan had been signed off by the PRoW Committee. The publication version was being worked on.
d) Projects
A few projects were being explored under cross asset innovation funding through the capital programme, focussing on sensitivity to the natural landscape. At Instow flexipave was being used to reduce carbon and its robustness in a high use area would be tested. At Brayford a rockwheel technique was being assessed using regraded/recycled material. Contractors were being upskilled with the right procurement in place.
e) Otterton footpath 1
The footpath, sited north of the new National Nature Reserve, was being eroded due to river movement. The Environment Agency had given approval for soft engineering and willow planting works, in two phases.
f) Red Bridge, Newton Poppleford and Harpford
This had been impacted by storm and river movement. Discussions with the landowner were progressing to put the bridge and associated right of way in a different location involving land purchase and creation, diversion and extinguishment orders. The initial pre-application would be made this financial year. There was capacity to achieve biodiversity net gains as required.
g) Coast Path
Confirmation had been received from Natural England that a grant offer will be forthcoming to create a high tide route at Mothecombe. The contractor was liaising with the landowner. A new, safer path and traffic calming were being put in at Down End, Croyde following discussions with the landowner. This would be an alternative route to the South West Coast Path. At Watertown, Instow, the coastpath was being put back on the field edge and off the road. At Stoke Fleming an off-road section was being created around Shady Lane. These projects were at different stages with contractors and Natural England funding.
h) Rodney Steps, Exmouth
Erosion and movement meant the current steps on Exmouth FP 1 to the beach were unsafe and had a closure notice. Engineering advice is that they should be removed, and geotechnical advice is that there is no alternative location. This will be monitored. There were two other beach access points.
i) Stover Country Park
The opening event for the Restoring Country Park project was being held in November. The DCAF Chair would be attending. Works completed included the visitor centre improvements, gatehouse conservation and lake de-silting. The Serpentine Lake and ornamental canal work was also finished. Future works included projects on Sibelco land, interpretation and waymarking.
An open day was being held on 16 November and details would be circulated to members.
Action: Forum Officer
j) Beacon Lane, Kingswear
The lane forms the original route for the South West Coast Path but was currently blocked by scaffolding. Beacon Road to the seaward side is a nicer route but not the official route. This had a partial closure and Traffic Regulation Order on it due to instability. The landowner had been required by a court order to do stabilisation work as it was not DCC property. Works had currently stalled and the situation may return to court. Once work was done, Beacon Lane would be assessed for cycling, walking and horse-riding and it may be waymarked as an alternative route.