Issue - meetings

Angela Simpson (Cheshire West and Chester) to report on the change in the way the Cheshire West and Chester Public Rights of Way (PROW) Committee will function.

Angela Simpson, Greenspace Manager, sought the views of the Forum on the proposed changes to the way in which the Cheshire West and Chester Public Rights of Way Committee functioned.

It was proposed that regulatory decisions on public rights of way matters such as Definitive Map Modifications Orders, Public Path Orders and Village Green applications be delegated to officer with provision for certain decisions to be referred up by officers or ‘called-in’ by Members for decision by the Committee where appropriate. 

As a result, the Rights of Way Committee would not meet as frequently as at present so alternatives were being considered through which recommendations to the Executive on Public Rights of Way policy and budgets matters could be debated and formulated.  It was therefore proposed that the Cheshire Local Access Forum formally undertook this role.  

Members of the Forum were concerned that the regulatory decision making was being taken out of the public domain. The Rights of Way Committee had been one of the most publicly attended meetings. 

Following discussion, it was agreed that the following response would be submitted to the Cheshire West and Chester Council:

The Cheshire Local Access Forum notes with concern the changes in governance for decisions and advice in relation to Public Rights of Way in Cheshire West and Chester.

The Cheshire Local Access Forum's view is the following:

 (1)  It accepts further delegation of responsibility in regulatory matters to officers.

 (2)  It endorses the clear need for full information to be provided to the Chairman and sent to Ward Members on regulatory recommendations so that the 'call-in' procedure can work effectively.

 (3) The Cheshire Local Access Forum very strongly advise that the political membership and structures of the Public Rights of Way Committee should be maintained to comment on policies and proposals in relation to all Public Rights of Way matters budgetary & otherwise by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

(4)   The Cheshire Local Access Forum is prepared to become an advisory body to the Executive, as it is now, for all matters relating to the Cheshire West and Chester Public Rights of Way network.

 (5)  The Cheshire Local Access Forum is concerned that it should have a consistent role in advising both Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East Councils.