Minutes:
Helen Clayton, DCC, provided information on current work.
a) BudleighSalterton to Otterton
An improved gate at the White Bridge end was planned but had been delayed following storm repairs.
b) Lympstone
Remedial works were planned. Subsequent to the meeting it was confirmed these had been completed.
c) Budgets
These remained at the same level as 2016-17.
d) Wardens’ work
Wardens were continuing with inspections and arranging vegetation cutting orders. Exeter was now stile free except for one and in Crediton and Shobrooke all stiles had been replaced by gates.
e) Multi-use
DCC had secured Access Fund money of £1.5m over three years to improve sustainable travel. The scheme aims to help people make informed choices on how they travel, encouraging more people to walk, cycle and use sustainable transport which provides health and environmental benefits. The Public Rights of Way team had been asked for advice on spending this fund and it had been decided parishes will be able to bid into funds. A steering group will allocate funding.
https://www.devonnewscentre.info/funding-for-sustainable-travel-projects-in-devon/
Action: Helen Clayton, DCC, to circulate information when available.
Following an internal DCC multi-use/recreational trail meeting it was confirmed the DCAF will be added to the planning consultation list as a standard consultee. The DCAF will not be involved at the pre-application consultation stage as its proceedings were in the public domain. Best practice was being established concerning design of structures to suit both landowners and disabled users and DCAF position statements would be included. It had been agreed an audit trail of decision making, particularly in terms of restrictive covenants, was important together with clarity and transparency around pre-application studies and audits.
Questions were raised about recent surfacing work on the Pegasus Trail. The new surface, extending for 1km, was seen as less suitable for horse-riders and impacted on cyclists and disability users too. The landscape impact in a rural area was greater. Helen Clayton confirmed that a price was being obtained to put a dust layer down. The trail was now a promoted route which influenced the standard. It was agreed the clarity of contracts was an important consideration.
Action: Helen Clayton, DCC, to feedback to the DCAF on this matter.
f) Definitive Map Review
A Modification Order to delete paths along the River Coly, made following an application by landowners, had not been confirmed by the Planning Inspectorate. The paths, added to the Definitive Map following an earlier decision, are therefore now formally recorded. Discussions will be taking place with landowners, in particular regarding the installation of a couple of large bridges. An engineer is looking at one existing bridge in stock to see if it is suitable. Putting the paths in place presented a funding issue as PROW capital funding for 2017-18 had already been allocated. Discussions are also taking place with the Ramblers.
A public inquiry at Pitt Farm, Hemyock and Culmstock had confirmed a Modification Order, with modifications made by the Inspector to add a footpath in Culmstock and a restricted byway in Hemyock.
A hearing had taken place in Sandford for a restricted byway and a decision was expected in due course.
Action: Helen Clayton would circulate a list of Public Inquiries/Hearings in case DCAF members wished to attend.
g) Public Rights of Way Committee
The next meeting was taking place on 6 July.
h) Deregulation Act
There was no timetable despite commitment to the process. The work in formulating the new regulations had been underestimated.
i) Minor roads
A discussion took place on the likely DCC downgrading of minor roads in terms of maintenance, not legal status. Some were likely to come across to Public Rights of Way for maintenance. It was understood proposals will be circulated to parishes. Concerns were raised about roads with partial closure or where damage could occur to cars. Diminution of safety standards could become an issue where minor roads became increasingly used for recreational access. The Public Rights of Way team was in discussions about the impact on its budget and the need for a proper handover of additional routes.
It was agreed the DCAF had a role in flagging up the shifting burden of cost to Public Rights of Way.
Action: Forum Officer to draft email to register the DCAF’s interest in the process.