Herts LAF Current Topics

Current topics

HertsLAF have lobbied on 2 main items affecting access in Herts this year:

Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SFRI) proposal in Herts (2011):

Visited the side and viewed the access issues arising from this huge proposed development (sheds alone are half

a kilometre long);
Respondend to the planning consultation for which planning permission has currently been denied, but the developers are to appeal.

Local Development Framework (LDFs) in Herts (2011):

Compiled and agreed a generic statement on access issues;
Sent it to all10 district planning authorities in Herts for consideration in their LDF Core Strategies and Local Development Documents (LDDs).

More topics:

Safer road crossings
LAF have met with Herts Highways, Rights of Way unit and CSF and are moving forward in identifying the most dangerous crossings on the RoW network in Herts. After this they will then be in a position to use a consultant to identify means and ways of improving safety. (March 2010, ongoing).
Coastal Access Plans
Heartwood Forest Project (WT)
Heartwood Forest gained its approval following the EIP from the Forestry Commision and now the Woodland Trust have planted over 90,000 trees on the 850 acre site. We need to keep working with the WT to ensure access for all users is improved and enhanced. (March 2010). LAF is one of the current active consultee on the project. LAF Memebrs are involved in the Environment Impact Assessment for the site. (Still current, 2011)
Access in future developments
The LAF are activively involved in the initial stages of major developments to ensure Access is considered as part of the plan.
LAF is keen to be consulted and involved from the early stages of these developments to ensure a high priority for Access and Green Spaces is achieved. (May 2009)
Reintroduction of Grazing on Common Land
LAF has been formally consulted on grazing on Common land.(2011 and still ongoing) and "Herts Common Watch” new group on grazing issues
RoWIP (Rights of Way Improvement Plan)
LAF Members actively advised the RoW Unit following their initial consultation with the Public and Stakeholders on the RoWIP.
LAF then suggested to the RoW their priorities for improvements across the County. LAF regularly recieves updates on the plan and implementation and are asked for their comments. (Ongoing)
Aldenham Country Park
Alban Way consultation
British Waterways/EA Consultation
Rural Forum and LTP Forum
RoW Policies/Prioritisation

Subgroups:

The following Subgroups are currently active:

Safer Road Crossing: Norman Jones, Debbie Hougie, Lynn Myland
School Award Competition: Debbie Hougie, Diana Collingridge, Roger Thomas
Safer Routes to School: Debbie Hougie, Diana Collingridge