To appoint a Chair and Vice Chair for the forthcoming year, term of office commencing on 29 March 2010.

Resolved that Ray Fairchild be appointed as Chair and Ian Stewart be appointed as Vice-Chair of this Committee for the forthcoming year, term of office commencing on 29 March 2010.

Members will be asked to make any declarations of interest in respect of items on this Agenda.

The Forum will be asked to confirm the accuracy of the minutes of the 7 December 2009.

The forum received the minutes of 7 December 2009.

With regard to the meeting of 7 December 2009 and minute -

(i)                 apologies for the Mr K Loze were not recorded;

(ii)               to read that ‘it was agreed discussion of the order to extinguish Footpath no 2 at Plympton would be deferred for consideration at the Forum meeting in February.

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 7 December 2009 be approved.

To receive reports on business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be brought forward for urgent consideration.

Chair read out a letter received from Robin Pearce, Rights of Way Officer (ROWO) saying that he will attend meetings as and when required.  Ross Jago, Democratic Support Officer will now pick up any matters in the first instance.

The following comments were made by members of the group -

            (i)         a LAF wouldn’t normally operate without a ROWO as this person provides technical advice.  Plymouth is not a typical forum and meets 6 times a year which is more than other forums.  Plymouth also has a large number of contentious issues which take up a lot of time and effort.  An option is to see how you get on as a forum without the ROWO;

            (ii)        some members were concerned that the ROWO will no longer attend the forum and that the LAF meets for 3 hours every two months.  They felt that the ROWO should be attendance at each meeting;

(iii)             we need to understand the role of the ROWO, this role assists the Chair and the Secretary in an advisory capacity;

(iv)              can progress be made on the definitive map by the ROWO not attending this meeting?  We have never addressed our relationship with the Planning Department and still awaiting a session with them.  This could be the catalyst to working better.

Resolved that the Chair respond to the letter and express the forum’s concerns and the attendance of the ROWO at LAF meetings is essential.

To consider suggestions from forum members’ for inclusion in the forward work programme.

The forum gave suggestions for the LAF Forward Plan.  They decided that the following items need to be addressed –

• Definitive Map;
• Rights of Way Improvement Plan;
• invite officers to attend themed meetings e.g. Planning officers on why footpaths are not included in planning meetings;
• Local Transport Plan;
• LDF Community Plans;
• Annual Revision of the Forum’s Terms of Reference;
• Disability Access Update to definitive map and statement.

Resolved that a Forward Plan be produced and submitted at the next meeting for approval.

To consider a draft annual report.

The Chair asked for suggestions from the forum for collation of the report.  The panel suggested an index in the report to show Rights of Way claims.

To consider and vote on a position statement on the Ridgeway School public path No. 2 extinguishment order. (4.8.1 Guidance on Local Access Forums in England).

The forum discussed the two position statements.

Resolved that a decision will be made when a point of order has taken place and a special meeting be organised to discuss this issue.

(Councillor Wheeler declared a personal interest in the above item and Councillor Browne having declared a personal interest in the above item, withdrew from the meeting).

To consider a response to a DEFRA consultation on the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (guidance on path furniture).

The forum noted the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

To consider any correspondence received and note any correspondence sent by the Forum.

MrsMickley has received a response to a letter a sent by the Chair on Cozie Quarry.

To receive a report from the Working Group.

The group is meeting next Monday to work out the format for the responses from the Ramblers Right of Way map.

To receive a report from the Working Group.

The group has nothing to report but highlighted the need for a Planning Seminar to address issues like -

• future planning and access to green space;
• planning applications and the amalgamation of forms.

To discuss any business that, in the opinion of the Chair, should be brought forward for urgent consideration.

The following items were raised –

• access at Yacht Haven is near completion;

• maps to be made available on topics of discussion at each meeting;

• Bircham Valley Local Nature Reserve - the Public Rights of Way and Nature Conservation teams have been working in partnership with Derriford Hospital to promote access to local greenspaces;

• Maristow Estate Permissive Path Agreement – negotiations have been on-going and have now entered into formal permissive path agreement with the landowners involved in reinstating access within the Plymouth areas.

The Chair reported that he has replied to the Coastal Access consultation on behalf of the LAF.

The next meeting will be held at the Council House, Civic Centre on Wednesday 12 April 2010.

Resolved that the next meeting of this Committee be held at 10.30 am on Monday 12 April 2010.