Agenda and draft minutes

The Vice Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made.

The following apologies for absence were received

Mr R Alderson

Mrs H Armstrong

Mr R Day

Mr C Curtis

Cllr M Armiger, Cllr J Longcake attended as substitute.

Mr D Connel declared a personal interest against footpath 32a through Far Ings Nature Reserve.

Resolved – That the minutes of the meeting held on 25 July 2024 having been circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and be signed by the Vice Chair.

Matter Arising from the minutes of the meeting held 25 July 2024 were discussed as follows:

Expanding the membership of the Local Access Forum and Sub-Groups.

Recommended – A Moran to begin the process for advertising for new members of the Local Access Forum and the Discovering Lost Ways and the Historic Rights of Way Sub-Groups.

Contacting Town and Parish Councils regarding their rights under Section 43 of the Highways Act and their abilities to maintain their own Public Rights of Way.

Recommended – The Principal Access and Commons Officer to write to all local Parish and Town Councils to suggest they identify a member of their council who would oversee Public Rights of Way within their area and report any issues to the Public Rights of Way Team.

Bottesford Linear Park development update

The Principal Access and Commons Officer had reported that there had been 3 objections received in relation to adding Gravel Pit Lane to the Definitive Map.  A meeting would be arranged to discuss the issues, and an update would be received at the next meeting.

Far Ings Enquiry

It was reported that North Lincolnshire Council had taken a neutral stance for the enquiry.  The Order had been confirmed following some modifications and was now with the Planning Inspectorate.  The route had been added to the Definitive Map.

Diversion North Killingholme

A inquiry had been held on the 5 November 2024 at which North Lincolnshire Council took a neutral stance.  The decision arising from the inquiry was that the diversion would not go ahead.

Isle of Axholme Missing Link Route – wheelchair accessibility

It was reported that the creation order had been confirmed, and the bridleway link was now in place.  The objections which had been received from some owners and occupiers had now been resolved. 

Public Notice for Bridleway in Manton

It was reported that there are signs in place indicating a bridleway, however this was not on the Definitive Map however, it did feature on the enclosed ward as an ancient lane.  A Definitive Map Order had been made and was currently in the objection period.  It was expected that there would be no objections as the route is signposted and used regularly.

The Principal Access and Commons Officer reported that the Definitive Map Officer role was still vacant, and it was hoped the post would be readvertised.  The meeting would be updated accordingly.

The current North Lincolnshire Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan had been published in 2008 with the intention of enhancing rights of way and providing a vision as to how this would be achieved.  North Lincolnshire Council have a responsibility to review the plan, ideally within 10 years of the publication date.  It was acknowledged that this was now overdue.

It was noted that targets within the original plan were ongoing targets and may still apply however, there had been some good improvements against the targets set; the rights of way within the area had slowly improved and been added upon since the conception of North Lincolnshire Council.  It was recognised that feedback from the Local Access Forum would be useful as to how the future improvement plan might be developed and suggested that the forum consider establishing a sub-group to review the plan and make recommendations.

Recommended – A Moran to redistribute the Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan.

Footpath at Amcotts update.

This related to a short path through the village, Trentside to the church.  A hearing had been held in 2023 which had concluded that the path went up the driveway of Whitehouse, the Order had been confirmed as made in October 2024.  The notice period for this had now concluded and there had been no applications to the High Court for review.  The path would be signposted soon.

The possible impact Devolution and the formation of the Greater Lincolnshire Authority would have on Local Authority boundaries was discussed.  For the time being it was suggested that the authority proceed with a definitive map and statement for (1) Glanford, Brigg and Scunthorpe Local Map and (2) the Isle of Axholme to supersede the Lindsey CC maps.

It was reported that there were currently 31 outstanding formal applications for the Definitive map.  Three of these had just had representations made, including 1 application for the bridleway in Wroot.  The Principal Access and Commons Officer expected to be directed to address these shortly. 

Councillor Ahmed enquired whether there were any walking groups within North Lincolnshire and whether they may be able to apply for Community Grants.  It was reported that there was the Walking Your Way to Health Group in North Lincolnshire and some villages had walking groups who meet on Wednesdays.  Walking routes are also available on the North Lincolnshire website - Walking North Lincolnshire - North Lincolnshire Council.  The Public Rights of Way and Definitive Maps also provide information on walking routes.

Recommended - Ms Moran would circulate dates for May and November 2025 to agree a date with members.