Meeting of the Powys LAF

Erwood Community Hall

10th June 2015

MINUTES

1. Welcome and apologies.

Present:

Edmund Hayward (EHa), Susan Jones (SJ), Mark Stafford-Tolley (MST, Charles de Winton(CdeW), Brian Jones (BJ), Michael Smith (MS), Chris Ledbury (CL), Vicky Morgan (VM),Chris Tomley (CT), Graham Davies (GD), Nina Davies (ND)

Apologies received:Nick Venti, Michael Brennan,Ed Humphreys, John Lloyd

A welcome was provided by EHa following the site visit to the Wye Valley Walk.

2. Previous minutes.

Approved.

3. Matters Arising.

No matters arising, but EHa thought a de-brief on the site visit was desirable. CL had lead on the discussion on site and thought that determining costs and expenditure should be related to the value the WVW brings into the local economy. CL was of the opinion that this should be known for such a long distance trail.

Using stepping stones should be explored, but before that some members thought the existing bridge was perfectly adequate with minor repairs. If he had been asked in his professional capacity, CdeW would advise a member of the CLA to remove it or physically block it off.

The Community Council should be involved and there was a discussion on the LAF being pro-active in getting some form of grant bid together as it was agreed that it was unreasonable for PCC to spend money on a permissive way, whose status could be changed.

The sign indicating the diversion of the WVW should be more explicit, saying “closed” rather than saying “re-aligned”. It was noted that a few dog walkers were using the old alignment still and it is an important site for this use from local residents.

It was discussed and agreed that ND would review the file and have a report ready by the next meeting on 23rd September 2015.

4. Correspondence

a)Review of designated landscape – Stage 2

The Review of Designated Landscapes in Wales proposal by Welsh Government is now in stage 2.CL had provided a response to the consultation, but this was regarded as a personal response and should not be regarded as the formal LAF response. The Stage 1 seems to be saying that NPAs should remain as they are, but there might be a few tweaks to provide better consistency between the functions and duties of the AONB and NPAs.

b)LAF Chair paper to Welsh Government

A Chairman’s report has been provided by NRW with suggestions for efficient use of the LAF. MST to circulate the paper to all, and a general discussion took place that due to the size of Powys, the Powys LAF cannot necessarily undertake all the recommendations of the report but should manage what is most suitable for Powys within the national guidelines. MST

c) ROWIP Review

MST to circulate NRW ROWIP guidance e-mail which is anticipated will be ready by 15th September 2015 from NRW. The Powys ROWIP is in need of being updated, as will all other ROWIPs and the review should be complete by October 2017 i.e. 10 years since the existing Powys ROWIP was approved. An extraordinary meeting will be held on 2nd November 2015 to discuss the ROWIP for which the current version is at

MST

5. Glastir – Permissive access

a) Domengastell Farm – Llanfechain

EHa thanked EH for such detailed reports. The report was circulated to members and after a discussion approved the recommendation in the following terms:

Subject to minor clarification regarding access on foot or with mobility aids (as opposed to horses or vehicles), the LAF supports the Glastir Advances proposal at DomenGastell as generally set out in the letter to the Forum dated 12th April

2015.

b) Llwynbrain – Penybont Fawr

The report was circulated to members and after a discussion approved the recommendation provided, for which is:

That the Powys LAF recommends minor clarification regarding

horse/cycle access intended as regards the upper permissive area and

supports the Glastir Advances proposal at Minffrwyd (Llwynybrain) as

generally set out in the letter to the Forum dated 28th April 2015.

c) Stanage Park – Fronhir Wood (Knighton)

There are established paths in Fronhir Wood which used to be accessed directly from a lay-by besides the A class road. This access is now overgrown and not safe. There is a well- trodden path providing safe access and easy across the neighbouring land (Llanshay farm) where the landowner is happy to grant a formal permissive access agreement. Subject to a permissive access agreement from Llanshay Farm, Fronhir wood (as map provided) was approved to be included as a Glastir permissive access area.

6. Advice for organised events.

No general advice or press release has yet been finalised or ready, but MST is looking into it. The main concern is regarding two different events thatcould well happen in the same area at the same time, but the major public access concerns centres on open access land. CdeW was happy to write up the complaint regarding the shoot on Llandeilo hill and use that as a scenario to remind CLA members of the best procedures. A discussion and recommendation was put forward that it would be a good idea to do a press release on open access management and public rights generally ACTION

7. Obstructions on Access land.

The matter of grouse pens and fencing (presumed new) was discussed on Access land and raised by EHa. Access land may be restricted for the purposes of land management, bur the relevant authority must receive an application, which in this case would be NRW.

MST also stated that under s.35 CRoW2000, reasonable provision onto the access land should also be enjoyed, in that it may not be reasonable for a 1000acres of access land to have only one access point.

A general discussion followed on good practice in managing access land and CdeW was happy to raise this with the CLA press officer for distribution to CLA members.

8. Proposed site visits.

23rd September 2015 meeting to be in Newtown to look at active travel. Likely to be a presentation first and to start earlier, for which 1500hrs was suggested.

9. Any Other Business

ND informed the LAF that Emma Guy is now the Area Officer for North Radnorshire and that Carlton Parry has retired.

The grants Countryside Services receives from NRW will be coming directly from WG to the County Council.

10. Dates of next meetings

23rd September 2015 at 1700hrs (Newtown) – Venue TBC

MEETING CLOSED.

Mark Stafford-Tolley

Secretary, Powys Local Access Forum

30th June 2105