The following declaration of interest was made by a member in accordance with the Code of Conduct –

The Forum will be asked to confirm the minutes of the 2 September 2013.

Agreed that the minutes of 2 September 2013 are approved.

There were no items of Chair’s Urgent Business.

The Forum noted its tracking resolutions.  It was agreed that the LAF Secretary would –

·         contact Kat Deeney, Green Infrastructure Team Leader, to remind her that reports regarding the Local Nature Partnership and the Derriford Community Park were required for the next meeting;

·         ascertain from Kat Deeney, Green Infrastructure Team Leader, whether the Forum members were able to assist with any project for the Local Nature Partnership;

·         contact Robin Pearce, Public Rights of Way Officer, to remind him that updates on the co-operative Way and the Definitive Map were required for the next meeting.

To receive a report on the proposed South West Coast Path management structure and process and discuss any issues related to the South West Coast Path.

The Forum received a presentation from Mark Owen, South West Coast Path National Trail Officer.  Members were informed that –

Following member’s questions it was reported that –

Under this item, Mark Owen provided members with an update on the National Trail Review – South West Coast Path Proposals & Implications.  Members were informed that –

To review the Co-operative Way brochure as provided by the Public Rights of Way Officer.

Agreed that this item is deferred until the Forum’s next meeting.

The Forum will receive a copy of the Plymouth Local Access Forum annual report submitted to Natural England in October 2013.

Members discussed the Local Access Forum (LAF) Annual Review Form: April 2012 to March 2013, which had been submitted to Natural England.

Ray Fairchild, Chair, pointed out that he had completed sections 1-7 of the form (with the assistance of David Pawley and John Emery).  Section 8 had been completed by Robin Pearce, Public Rights of Way Officer.

After a lengthy discussion, members expressed their displeasure at the comments in section 8, and pointed out that they did not accept the criticisms of LAF that had been made.

It was agreed that Ian Stewart, Vice Chair, would write to Natural England to express the Forum's displeasure at the comments contained in section 8, to advise that they did not accept these comments, and to express regret that he did not have the opportunity to discuss the comments with Robin Pearce, Public Rights of Way Officer.

The Forum will receive a report providing an update on the Paths for Communities (P4C) scheme.

Members discussed the Paths for Communities Update – September 2013, along with the Autumn 2013 edition of the Paths for Communities e-newsletter.  Members noted that –

Councillor Fox left the meeting at the end of this item.

There were no reports from the Forum’s working groups.  It was agreed to set up a working group to visit the disused railway line between Laira Bridge and Cattedown Wharves before the Forum’s next meeting.

To receive the Forum’s Work Programme for 2013 - 2014.

The Forum reviewed its work programme and agreed that a site visit to the disused railway line between Laira Bridge and Cattedown Wharves is organised before the Forum’s next meeting.

Mr Attrill left the meeting at the end of this item.

The Forum noted its correspondence and agreed that a further letter is sent to Mr Gillhespy, thanking him for his response and asking for a further update to his earlier letter.

The next meeting will be held at 10.30am on Monday 17 March 2014 at the Council House, Plymouth.

Agreed that the next meeting of the Forum is held at 10.30am on Monday 17 March 2014.

Bob Harvey, LAF member, raised the issue of the possibility of him becoming a member of the South Devon AONB Partnership.  It was agreed that Ray Fairchild, Chair, would contact Hilary Winter of Natural England (South West) to discuss this matter further.