CAMBRIDGESHIRE LOCAL ACCESS FORUM MEETING ON TUESDAY 12 February 2019 AT 7.00 PM Storeys Field Centre, Eddington Cambridge CB3 1AA [Directions https://tinyurl.com/y9ewkzjj] Members of the public are warmly invited to be present. AGENDA 7.00pm Questions from the Public Anyone wishing to speak should provide details of the issue to be raised, together with the specific question to be asked, to the Secretary. They must include their name and address and whether they are representing any particular group. This information should normally be submitted by post or e-mail to the Secretary in advance of a week before the meeting. The Chairman has discretion to allow items outside of this timescale to be heard. Presentations The Environment Agency (TBC) 1. Apologies for absence 2. Declarations of interest 3. Minutes of meeting on 13 November 2018 - Correct Record 4. Matters arising or carried forward from the last meeting not covered elsewhere on the agenda 5. Members reports and items for info only or the next agenda unless stated 5.1 Report on East of England Regional Chairs and Vice-Chairs meeting (MS) 5.2 Report on meeting with Tim Watkins, CCC, regarding Foxton level crossing bypass and (MS, JT) travel hub and to note response made 5.3 Report on Anglian Water user group meeting, Grafham (MS) 6. Correspondence and Consultations 6.1 Cambridge SW Park and Ride consultation to note response 6.2 Natural England consultation on new access to agricultural land to note response made 6.3 East West Rail to note consultation exhibitions 6.4 Public consultation on proposals for the Phase 2 section of the Cambourne to Cambridge Better Public Transport Project, west from Madingley Mulch roundabout and on to Cambourne 7. CCC Items (PC) 8. Future speakers (PC) 9. Closure of meeting and items for the next agenda Cambridgeshire Local Access Forum Secretary, Mrs Gail Stoehr, 30 West Drive, Highfields Caldecote, Cambridge, CB23 7NY Tel: 01954 210241 email: cambslaf@lgs-services.co.uk
SECRETARY REPORT TO THE CAMBRIDGESHIRE LOCAL ACCESS FORUM MEETING ON TUESDAY 12 February 2019 Where I have information to support the agenda this is below. 4. Matters arising or carried forward from the last meeting not covered elsewhere on the agenda - All actions required or letters to be sent by the Secretary on the LAF s behalf have been auctioned. 5.1 Report on East of England Regional Chairs and Vice-Chairs meeting (MS) 5.2 Report on meeting with Tim Watkins, CCC, regarding Foxton level crossing bypass and travel hub and to note response made (MS, JT) attached. 5.3 Report on Anglian Water user group meeting, Grafham (MS) attached. 6.1 Cambridge SW Park and Ride consultation to note response attached. 6.2 Natural England consultation on new access to agricultural land to note response made attached. 6.3 East West Rail to note consultation exhibitions Public consultation will run from 28 January to 11 March 2019. While we are several years from starting to build the railway, this is your opportunity to have your say on the route options at an early stage. We have developed five route options and would like to know: what your views are on their challenges and opportunities whether we are right to focus on route options that approach Cambridge from the south what you think of the overall approach we have taken to developing route options. Consultation events St Neots: Monday 11 February, 3:30pm - 7:30pm The Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots PE19 2BH Bedford: Friday 15 February, 3.30pm 7.30pm Scott Hall, Barford Avenue, Bedford MK42 0DS Bassingbourn: Saturday 16 February, 10am 2pm Bassingbourn Community Primary School, Brook Road, Bassingbourn SG8 5NP Potton: Tuesday 19 February, 3.30pm 7.30pm Potton and District Club34 Station Road, Potton, Sandy SG19 2PZ
Cambridge: Friday 22 February, 3.30pm 7.30pm The University Centre, Granta Place, Cambridge CB2 1RU Orwell: Tuesday 26 February, 2pm 6pm Orwell Village Hall, 32-66 High St, Orwell, Royston SG8 5QN Sandy: Friday 1 March, 3:30pm 7:30pm Sandy Village Hall, Medusa Way, Sandy SG19 1BN Cambourne: Saturday 2 March, 10:00pm 2:00pm Cambridge Belfry, Back Lane, Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6BW https://eastwestrail.co.uk/?gclid=eaiaiqobchmi48x3yeyk4aivr7vtch133qvreaay ASAAEgKEfvD_BwE 6.4 Public consultation on proposals for the Phase 2 section of the Cambourne to Cambridge Better Public Transport Project, west from Madingley Mulch roundabout and on to Cambourne Visit www.greatercambridge.org.uk/cambournetocambridgephase2 for details. 7. CCC Items nothing received at time of writing. Phil Clark to report to the meeting. Next meeting dates Phil Clark emailed all members on 23 rd January the following dates. The venue is Eddington 14 May 2019 13 August 2019 12 November 2019
Minutes of the Cambridgeshire Local Access Forum (LAF) Meeting Held on Tuesday 13 November 2018 at 7 pm at Storeys Field Centre, Eddington, Cambridge Present: Members Mary Sanders (Chairman), Jill Tuffnell, Lynda Warth, Roger Buisson, Sue Rogers and Erika Wedgwood. In attendance: Simon Fisher (Countryside Manager, Wimpole Estate, National Trust), Mike Davies (Team Leader, CCC Cycling Projects), Philip Clark (CCC), Laurence Smith (Definitive Map Manager, CCC), Tom Ruszala (Definitive Map Officer for Huntingdonshire, CCC), James Stringer (Definitive Map Officer, CCC) and Mrs A Griffiths (Minutes Secretary, LGS Services). Questions from the Public None. It was agreed to bring forward items 6.3 and 6.4 on the Greenways consultations. Presentations Simon Fisher, Countryside Manager of the Wimpole Estate, outlined his role relating to conservation of the fabric and infrastructure of the estate and its use for outdoor access and recreation, including the promotion of physical and mental wellbeing in the natural environment, looking after an SSSI and wildlife, and organic farming. Sue Rogers arrived at 7.06 pm. The estate has 13 km of public footpaths, 3 km of bridleways and 26 km of permissive routes. A multi-user trail of 8.5 km is planned. There are four public paths orders for diversion of paths and the creation of a path on the estate but the agreement on the creation of the path is yet to be completed due to an outstanding objection. Not all routes are yet completed. Access points including gates and stiles are being improved to provide access for all and a bridge has been built by the Ranger team. Mud is an ongoing problem and improvements have been made to Victoria Drive and the path to the reservoirs, as well as the farm accesses. Waymarkers are to be reviewed and updated. LAF raised the issue of permissive paths on National Trust land being shown on Ordnance Survey maps, and asked the National Trust to liaise with the Ordnance Survey to have them included. LAF suggested that this could be included in an Access Management Plan. On the eastern part of the estate there is a promoted off road cycle circuit and also a riding circuit. However, the equestrian provision was low key. There are three guided walks. Mr Fisher outlined the limitations of the car park, which can become waterlogged, but a new car park will be built in 2019. Planning permission has been obtained for the multi-user trail, which will be a new section of track outside the belts on arable and grass land. Mr Fisher defined multi-user as walking, cycling, and accessible for the disabled, but this route will not be promoted as an equestrian trail. Mr Fisher undertook to follow up on a response from the National Trust to questions previously raised by Lynda Warth. Asked why horse riding was not encouraged, he replied that this was due to the potential impact and damage to the trail, as well as concerns about conflict between horses and cyclists or walkers. LAF members disputed this as there were no records of damage or injury from horses. Mr Fisher explained that each site decides on its policy independently. Cambridgeshire LAF minutes Tuesday 13 November 2018
The Active Outdoors national programme and the outdoor programme available were outlined, including park runs, cross country and orienteering, as well as volunteering. There is a walking development programme across all National Trust properties. LAF reiterated the request for all available routes to be shown, especially on Ordnance Survey maps, as it was often difficult to tell where footpaths went in the absence of waymarkers. LAF also enquired about relationships with landowners, as a Beware of the Bull sign had also been erected on a gate where there was no bull. LAF advised that the National Trust needed to ensure that Rights of Way were always available and clear to use. Philip Clark suggested that these ideas could be fed into an access management plan, and LAF added that bridleways should also be included in public access. Mr Fisher agreed that it would be helpful to work together with LAF on an access management plan. LAF suggested spreading use around the estate rather than concentrating it around the house, and making it easier for visitors to find routes. Mr Fisher confirmed that the new multi-user trail would be put on the website, which would be more interactive. Mary Sanders conveyed the apologies of Lee Moore of Peterborough LAF, who had suggested that the two LAFs combine for joint working, and suggested that a meeting should take place. Mike Davies of CCC gave details of the Greenways consultations. Funding was only available to develop the routes but not yet to build them, although this might come from S106 money. They will be competing for GCP money with large public transport project initiatives. Information and consultation responses will be collated next year. Consultation events were currently taking place for Waterbeach and Comberton, with Sawston and Melbourn to come in the New Year. Where there were new developments such as at Waterbeach, there was a better business case for funding. The St Neots foot and cycle bridge was going to committee on Thursday, recommending a suspension bridge option with mounting blocks at either end of the bridge for equestrians. Mr Davies described the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), arising from a Department for Transport initiative and which is fully funded from external funding bids where there is a business case, to develop and deliver projects and support new developments, improve road safety and create better mobility and better streets. There are bids in for a share of funds for Cambridgeshire. The process involves developing a Network Plan showing links to be made or improved; developing a prioritised programme of projects; and a report and consultation. Mr Davies explained the use of the Propensity to Cycle tool which maps out where people are more likely to walk or cycle if the infrastructure is provided. Supported by Sustrans and Camcycle, a small working group has been formed to work on this. Routes for journeys to work are included but it is hoped to add in schools and new developments. The process shows where the routes give best value and where the most important links are, to give a prioritised list of links, covering not only Cambridge but also market towns. The process for walking is to follow later. When the LCWIP is formalised, it will go to CCC and GCP committees for approval. The plan will feed into bids for funding, only from those with the LCWIP in place, and scoring. The process will take about a year. LAF expressed disappointment that the strategy did not cover NMU and vulnerable road users including horse riders. LAF asked how the LCWIP related to ROWIP. It was explained that they co-existed and there was still a duty to the ROWIP. LAF advised that reference should be made to ROWIP in the LCWIP. Concerns were also expressed about the expense but funds will come from the A14 and A428 improvements. As regards maintenance, there will probably be a commuted sum per route for work streams, including signage. LAF advised that it was important to bear in mind that growing shrubs could obscure lights, and that it was necessary to be realistic. It was acknowledged that less bright lighting could be used as there was opposition to lighting in rural areas. Cambridgeshire LAF minutes Tuesday 13 November 2018
The LCWIP consultation will be data driven and CCC may consult on the draft or consult beforehand. LAF advised that the S106 money needed to be fed in. Action: Philip Clark to invite Mike Davies back for an update in a year s time. 1. Apologies for absence Apologies for absence had been received from James Winter, Mandy Smith and Simon King (clash of meetings), Robin Heydon, Lee Moore and Zaria Bettles. 2. Declarations of interest None. 3. Minutes of meeting of 14 August 2018 Correct Record The minutes of the meeting of 14 August 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman, after an amendment under item 2, line 6 to change bridleways to waterways. 4. Matters arising from the last meeting not covered elsewhere on the agenda 4.1 (Open) Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan Taken earlier. 4.2 (4.2) Proposal for public bridleway on borrowpit land near Boxworth - update Laurence Smith reported that a feasibility study was being undertaken. If the feasibility and the funding were there, any work would take place after the A14 was completed. 4.3 (4.4) Permissive bridleway Oakington and Westwick - update James Stringer reported that CCC was supportive of reclassification as a bridleway but there was a need to check there were no longstanding issues and consult the tenant. There was no plan to end the permissive agreement. Although it was a small link it was still necessary to go through the scoring process. 4.4 (19) Maintenance on the Guided Bus Bridleway to consider response Sue Rogers reported that the self-seeded willows had been removed and a horizontal cut of the vegetation had been carried out. However there were still a number of places where side branch growth and brambles were overhanging at eye level from the side of the route. Action: LAF to write to CCC again thanking them for the work that has been done but drawing their attention to the remaining areas of side vegetation overgrowth. LAF to write to Peter Gaskin thanking him for his involvement and efforts. 5. Members reports and items for info only or the next agenda 5.1 Report on Wicken Fen Liaison Forum Erika Wedgwood reported on the September meeting including: Updating of online maps some have been removed from the website Staff changes Sarah Smith is the contact More gravel will be laid at the car park and the cafe is being extended Replacement of a hide Resting the Sedge Fen resurfacing of footpaths in the woodland walk and a boardwalk to link to other routes; building a temporary tower hide at the end of the boardwalk to rest the Lode Bank Drove Looking at the proposal for the Burwell Bridge again The Wicken Fen Vision and open access to the west The Lode Way cycleway is now in use Acquisition of two new ponds and the opening of a woodland area A survey regarding the use of the Rights of Way network Cambridgeshire LAF minutes Tuesday 13 November 2018
5.2 Environment Agency and public access over EA owned land Roger Buisson had asked how to obtain access information for EA land. It was observed that grass banks used as flood defence structures often have Rights of Way. LAF would like to know what opportunities there are for access, what networks there are and what links can be created; the arrangements for maintenance; the undercutting of bridleways on river banks; and the opportunities for extending routes. It was suggested that it would be good to walk, cycle and ride from Cambridge up to Kings Lynn via Welney. Action: Philip Clark to invite a representative to the February meeting. 5.3 Mineral Extraction at Swavesey Proposals for extraction sites at Swavesey and Hauxton affect Rights of Way. Some of the sites should be returned to agricultural land but if left as pits LAF felt that space should be left between them to retain the RoWs. Action: LAF s comments to be conveyed to CCC. 6. Correspondence and Consultations 6.1 S/3440/18/OL Bourn Airfield Development to note response made Noted. 6.2 Waterbeach Planning update LAF s response on the Supplementary Planning Document was noted. 6.3 Waterbeach and Fulbourn Greenway consultation and 6.4 Comberton Greenway consultation LAF supported the Greenway proposals. Members were encouraged to respond individually but the general principle that LAF believes the Greenways should be multi-user, highlighting recent comments made by the Minister Jesse Norman MP, is also to be conveyed to CCC. Action: LAF to respond to the consultation. 6.5 Histon and Impington Neighbourhood Plan consultation LAF supported the consultation and welcomed the fact that they had highlighted green space and access in their policies, noting that some of the paths were permissive and more green space was needed. Action: LAF to respond to the consultation. 6.6 Natural England consultation on new access to agricultural land Tom Ruszala reported. Following the recently published Agriculture Bill and consultation on the future for food, farming and environment after Brexit, Natural England was currently consulting local authorities about how a new Environmental Land Management System could be designed to include rights of way and access. LAF s views were sought on what provisions landowners would need to meet to receive subsidy, and on cross-compliance. LAF expressed concerns at a suggestion that landowners should be paid for maintenance of Rights of Way on their land, as they had legal obligations for the maintenance of cross-field paths. Whilst LAF felt there should be payments for improvements and enhancements, such as widening of paths, it was not thought that payments should be made to landowners for fulfilling legal responsibilities by undertaking basic maintenance. The view was also expressed that there needed to be an attractive financial incentive for landowners to open up land to public access, or an obligation for them to provide access or maintenance. Any payments made should be for paths that are useful and part of a network. It was observed that CCC as the highway authority had responsibility for field edge paths, and there was no information on recompense for this work. LAF suggested that funding Cambridgeshire LAF minutes Tuesday 13 November 2018
should also be directed towards local authority maintenance, which had been subject to cutbacks. Additionally, a bonus could be paid for co-operative working between landowners and parishes. Action: LAF members to convey their views so that a response can be collated and conveyed to CCC in response. 6.7 SCDC Northstowe Community Forum and Northstowe Community Engagement Not attended. 6.8 CCC Draft Cambridgeshire Statement of Community Involvement to note response made The response was noted. 6.9 Proposed Network Rail Cambridgeshire Level Crossing Order comments on Revised Proposed National Planning Policy Framework 2018 to note responses made by LAF and CCC Noted. It was not known when the outcome for Cambridgeshire would be announced. 6.10 Greater Cambridge Partnership Cambridge South West Park and Ride consultation The view was expressed that this would impact on Trumpington Meadows and the Country Park, and the bridge intended for equestrian use would now have buses crossing it, and there was a need for alternative access. The consultation dates were noted. Action: Lynda Warth will respond and circulate the comments made. 7. Dates and venues for 2019 meetings Dates will be 12 February, 14 May, 13 August and 12 November. Action: Philip Clark to try to book the Storeys Field Centre, Eddington, for these dates and confirm. 8. CCC items 8.1 LAF membership update Philip Clark reported. The list had been circulated to members. Zaria Bettles, (RoW officer for Huntingdonshire), whose apologies were conveyed by Philip Clark, was now included as a link to the RoW team. 8.2 P3 Conference update Philip Clark reported that he had an up to date list of Parish Council Clerks and would be sending out a letter. 8.3 Northstowe Community Forum 17 October Philip Clark had not attended but the minutes were expected soon. 8.4 Natural Cambridgeshire and report on Combined Authority green infrastructure objectives Philip Clark reported that the Combined Authority had produced a non-statutory spatial plan but this was currently on hold as they were reviewing their projects. 8.5 S106 funds and Southern Fringe S106 projects James Stringer reported that the three highest scoring projects had been costed and sent to the Highways Director. Unfortunately, the S106 money expected had been reduced due to indexation, leaving a shortfall of some 80,000 if all three projects were to proceed. The schemes were outlined. One project represented 90% of the cost, and it was suggested that a proportion of the funds could be redirected to free up money for other projects if there was also support for the project via the Greater Cambridge Partnership. 8.6 Update on Highways Schemes 8.6.1 A14 Verbal update including separation of NMU route and local access road Cambridgeshire LAF minutes Tuesday 13 November 2018
Laurence Smith reported that there were regular meetings with Highways England representatives to discuss the boundaries and extent of Highways England and CCC maintenance. He explained that there would not be a fence or hedge separating the NMU route and the local access road, only a kerb. On the local access road between Dry Drayton and Girton there would be a 1.8 m separation strip between the white line and the edge of the NMU route where there was no kerb, and blacktop with reflective markings where there was a kerb. The NMU route surface would be 3 metres blacktop and the rest soft. Between Dry Drayton and Cambridge, the NMU route would be wider due to higher anticipated cycling use. One stretch of bridleway near the junction with the A1 would have metal louvred fencing and a restraint system to protect the bridleway, and a hoggin based surface. Sue Rogers offered to attend a site meeting with a horse to sample the surface. Under the Highways England designated fund for community severance, 1.1M has been allocated for NMU and bids for six projects have been approved, including: improvements on the A1198 from Wood Green to Godmanchester, from Papworth to Cambourne, and Graveley to Hilton; NMU improvements from Bar Hill to Longstanton (B1050) under the Northstowe S106; the Wilsons Road NMU route 10 at Northstowe; and the Girton footpaths 4 and 5 link to the end of the long distance NMU routes being upgraded to bridleway. There are also legacy funds available for general improvements to the Ouse Valley Way between the Offords and Swavesey/St Ives. Other proposals may also be considered. 8.6.2 A428 Verbal update Nothing new to report. 8.6.3 A47 Verbal update Nothing new to report. 8.7 New Development Schemes 8.7.1 Wintringham Park Five public footpaths currently cross the site from east to west. The S106 has been signed and Rights of Way strategy is a priority. LAF asked CCC to liaise with the Huntingdon Ramblers, as the number of routes might be reduced to two east-west bridleways and a perimeter bridleway, but with no onward link, due to the A428. LAF advised that the maximum possible number of crossings were needed over or under the A428. Towards St Neots there were two underpasses of the East Coast railway and a level crossing which it was hoped to upgrade to bridleways, but there are third party land ownership issues and road safety issues to be resolved. A map will be circulated. 8.7.2 Northstowe A diversion has been necessary for one bridleway but the western perimeter bridleway should be available for public access next year. A link will be created to Rampton Drift. The southern access road west and diversion to a new bridge is expected by September 2019. There will be surfacing works to Longstanton St Michaels and under the A14 designated fund Wilsons Road will be surfaced with a hoggin based surface from the local access road. LAF advised that road planings should not be used. Action: Lynda Warth to discuss the surfacing with James Stringer. 8.7.3 Bourn Airfield CCC has significant concerns with the planning application. There are no existing PRoWs. Highways are looking at links to Cambourne with a perimeter route and the southern bridleway to Caldecote, with a view to providing a commuter/cycle route, possibly lit by solar studs. CCC may not take on maintenance in Bourn. An old runway will have a green corridor. Matters are still at an early stage. Cambridgeshire LAF minutes Tuesday 13 November 2018
8.7.4 Waterbeach barracks CCC are objecting. The only RoW affected is at Bannold Road. There is a need to link other communities to Waterbeach and the cycling team are looking at links. 8.8 Waterbeach update on the byway that has been cut in half by the level crossing resulting in a dead end byway No information available 8.9 Alconbury access issues Action: Philip Clark is to make enquiries with Rebecca Britton. 8.10 Cottenham Neighbourhood Plan Noted. 8.11 GCP newsletter Noted. 8.12 St Neots new river crossing bridge Taken earlier. 9. Future Speakers LAF expressed a preference to have only one speaker per meeting. Action: Philip Clark to invite a representative of the Environment Agency to the February meeting. 10. Closure of meeting and items for the next agenda Sue Rogers highlighted that a Swavesey Neighbourhood Plan would be coming up for consultation shortly, and expressed the view that a connected RoW network around Swavesey was important. Lynda Warth reported that she had given a presentation at the National Access Conference and expressed appreciation for the close working of CCC with LAF. The Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.55 pm. Dates of next meetings: 12 February 2019 14 May 2019 13 August 2019 12 November 2019 Venues to be confirmed. Cambridgeshire LAF minutes Tuesday 13 November 2018