Agenda item

JW tabled the list for the 2016 Summer Site Visits. The list will be circulated amongst the RBWM, Bucks and Bracknell LAF Officers so that anyone who wishes to attend from other LAF’s can do so.

Discussions ensued about the dis-used railway land in Colnbrook.  Improving safety along the path could be used in arguing for better width and surface.  Members were reminded that the LAF has previously objected to an application for development of this site and has more recently asked for it to be added to the list of allocated sites in the Slough Local Plan.  If accepted this would ensure development on this site is restricted to nature reserve with public access rights.

Poyle New Cottages residents have a private right of access along a route alongside the dis-used railway land.  This private route has been blocked for years and residents as well as members of the public have been using the di-used railway land instead.  JW recalled the attempt to block the dis-used railway land with a gate in 2008 which almost resulted in an application to claim the path as a public right of way.  At the time the level of outcry particularly from the residents caused the landowners then to remove the gate.  Cllr Smith is keen on this route being public and is concerned about illegal use of the land.  LAF members continue to support the action plan as detailed in the papers. 

Resolved – JW to contact the residents of Poyle New Cottages and look to engage in a process to ultimately add this route to the definitive map and statement.  At the same time JW to contact landowners to see what their view is on dedication of the route.