Agenda item

• Slough LAF Draft Annual Report
• Recent Modification Orders-Jubilee River
• Updates on Planning Applications
• Wild Food Bid Request and LAF letter of support

Slough LAF Annual Report

Members received a copy of the draft for the annual report which detailed the work of the LAF over the past year and included photos to be used in the report.

Agreed  - That the Annual Report and photos be approved.

Recent Modification Orders Jubilee River

Members were advised that the modification orders updated  several footpaths and bridleways to reflect work which had already been carried out when the Jubilee river was built.

Agreed – That the Modification orders be noted

Updates on Planning Applications

Members were advised that an outline planning application for development of Kennedy Park had been approved. In principle SEGRO were supportive of a footway scheme across their land. However it was not yet confirmed and further discussions were underway. A member noted that this had been used as a walking route for the past 20 years.

Detailed planning schemes for developments on the trading estate still needed to be considered but outline planning permission had been agreed. Members asked about provision for cyclists and were concerned that the LAFs input was not being considered. Members requested further opportunities for consultation and wanted to receive updates on progress. The Forum were advised that the layout agreed included cycle routes. At this stage further detailed plans were not going forward.

Agreed –

(a)   That the agreed plans showing cycle routes be brought to the next meeting of the LAF.

(b)   That the LAF be given the opportunity to consider the detailed plans as they are taken forward.

Wild Food Project Bid Request

The Thames Valley Groundwork Trust was seeking funding from the BIG Lottery for a project which would help people in the urban fringe to improve their diet through foraging. The LAF would be able to assist with this by suggesting suitable walking rules for foraging.

Agreed – That the LAF send a letter of support for the project.

Planning Application – Intermodal Freight Exchange

Alex Deans advised the Forum that a development for an intermodal freight exchange from rail to road  would mean that one Right of Way would be extinguished but another would be updated and improvements to cycle routes introduced. The LAF would receive further updates but the application had not yet been submitted.

Ditton Park

A Member advised that the gate in Ditton Park was being locked indiscriminately and asked what the agreement was for this. The LAF was informed that there was only permission to lock the gate after dusk and it should not be closed at other times.  JW agreed to ask Savio DeCruz to look into the closure by Computer Associates at time when flooding might occur.

Heart of Slough

Members were advised that plans for the cycle routes around the heart of Slough area would be brought to the next meeting.