Environment and roads

Frequently asked questions about LAF

What does a Local Access Forum do?

Local Access Forums are statutory advisors to the appointing authority (in Herts this is Hertfordshire County Council) and other bodies including the Countryside Agency on the improvement of public access to land for open-air recreation and the enjoyment of the area.

In providing advice the Local Access Forum must take into account:

• the needs of land management
  
• the desirability of conserving natural beauty
  
• A Local Access Forum must be consulted on:
  draft maps of open country and registered common land under Part 1 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
  
• any byelaws to be made in respect of access land
  
• proposals to appoint wardens for access land
  
• the preparation of rights of way improvement plans
  
• restrictions and exclusions of access exceeding six months

Is there a Hertfordshire Local Access Forum?

Yes. Following wide consultation it was agreed to establish a single Local Access Forum for Hertfordshire.

Who is on the local access forum?

The Local Access Forum has 12 members who represent a balance of interests including users, land managers, and others representing broader interests including young people, health and nature conservation. Two members are elected councillors who have been nominated to represent the County Council and the Hertfordshire District and Borough Councils. The remaining 10 Forum members were selected following a thorough recruitment process.

How can I become a member of the Forum?

Unfortunately there are currently no vacancies on the Local Access Forum. However, Local Access Forum members are on terms of membership which are between 1 and 3 years. Although these appointments can be renewed it is proposed to reselect members and open up opportunities for others to join the Forum at the end of these terms. It is also likely that opportunities to join the Local Access Forum will arise from time to time. These will be widely advertised and the places filled by applicants who have the necessary skills and knowledge and will sustain the balance of interests required by the regulations.

Why is the Hertfordshire Local Access Forum so small?

The regulations permit appointing authorities to establish a Local Access Forum of between 10 and 22 members. The County Council decided following extensive consultation to establish a Local Access Forum ''nearer the minimum'' with a view to growing it if successful. This meant that it would be easier for Local Access Forum members to become familiar with each other and we believe could operate more effectively in the early stages. It is also easier to manage and operate a group of this size.

How can I keep track of the Forum's work?

Like local government processes, the Local Access Forum will have to conduct its business in public i.e. meetings will be open to members of the public and publicised in advance, agendas and papers will be available for scrutiny. The public are encouraged to attend these meetings where there will be an opportunity for them to raise relevant questions, subject to a simple of code of practice.

Where and when will the LAF meet?

The county council plans to rotate the meeting venue of the Local Access Forum, giving communities around the county an opportunity to attend meetings. Dates of Local Access Forum meetings will be publicised in advance, a list will be maintained on the Local Access Forum website.

It is envisaged that the Local Access Forum will meet formally 4-5 times per year.

Who is in charge of the LAF?

Whilst the county council is responsible for setting up and supporting the Local Access Forum, including arranging secretarial support, it is an independent body. The Local Access Forum will elect its own Chairman, decide it is own work programme and report to relevant bodies as it sees fit.

What happens to advice of the LAF?

Recipients of advice issued by the Local Access Forum must have regard to the views of the Forum when making relevant decisions.

What is the relationship with other Forums?

The County Council will maintain close links with neighbouring Local Access Forums and will encourage the Local Access Forums to exchange ideas and best practice. The County Council is involved in a regional Local Access Forum officer group in support of this. These relationships will be especially important where designated areas overlap administrative boundaries such as the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Lee Valley Regional Park etc
Items of relevance being discussed at the National Countryside Access Forum will be brought to the attention of the Local Access Forum. A formal relationship has yet to be agreed nationally.

How will you ensure debate of the Forum does not become polarised?

The Local Access Forum membership must be balanced between users and land managers and the Regulations oblige the county council to appoint Local Access Forum members who appear to represent interests rather than organisations. Furthermore, a range of other interests such as tourism, transport, health, economic development etc. etc. must be represented and Herts County Council wants to see strong representation from those interests. The Government is clear that the Local Access Forum should advise on strategic issues not on individual cases.

Where can I find out more?

Contact the Local Access Forum Secretary by emailing hertfordshire.laf@hertscc.gov.uk or telephone 01992 555262. The Local Access Forums (England) Regulations 2002 are available from The Stationery Office Ltd, ISBN 0110299922.