The Chairman, Geoff Priest welcomed all members to the meeting. It was stated that the previous Chair, Peter Thorn had resigned from the Forum and a letter of thanks that had been sent to Peter was read out to the Forum. The Forum were in agreement that a record of thanks be placed on record for Peter Thorn for all of the hard work and contributions made to the Local Access Forum.

Resignations had also been received but that this would be discussed under Members Update.

Forum Members were reminded that the meeting would be recorded, uploaded and available on the RBWM website. 

Apologies for absence were received from Margaret Cubley and James Copas.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Forum approved the minutes of the meeting held on 1^st November 2017.

Matters arising from last meeting.

Matters arising

Members of the forum discussed that there were two incomplete tasks which included HA22; which included the site design for housing and there had been questions around whether this site would be delegated for housing. There was still some work to be done before a decision could be finalised on this matter. Councillor Hunt noted that this piece of land was subject to the Hurley and Walthams Neighbourhood Plan and that she had written to the Borough Local Plan examiner with her concerns as this area had been designated as PROW Act Countryside Area land not for jobs and dwellings. A response had been received that highlighted collaborative work between officers, designers and architects along with parish councillors ( who worked upon the neighbourhood steering group) should be carried out and the next meeting would be held on the 12^th October 2018.

The Chair highlighted that a previous and ongoing piece of work with regards to Ashley Hill and horse riders was in progress but outstanding. Work with shareholders of Ashley Hill, horse riders and their issues was in progress and it was noted that there had been a two year in delivery of this project due to some recommendations made by the Forestry Commission. Upon further investigation it had been highlighted that some owners had been communicated with in regards to the waterbed where a new mains line had been found with open drains. Councillor Beer stated that there had been some discussion when the LEGOLAND planning application had been considered that horse riders had raised concerns with overhanging branches and that the nearby woodland would need to be developed to provide suitable access pathways for riders.

ACTION- That horse riders at Ashley Hill be added to the next Rights of Way and Highways Licensing Panel meeting for consideration.  

Members were informed that a plaque at Margaret Bowdery Bridge had been inaugurated on the 19^th September 2018 . Ambika Chouhan (RBWM), highlighted that the steel bridge had been designed to be clad with timber over the existing steel work. It was noted that the bridge had been constructed with a composite plastic ramp and that this blended with the landscape well. There had been some set backs with the budget and ongoing maintenance of the bride and this is why newer and more diverse materials had been used. Lisa Hughes stated that there were some issues she had noticed with the surface level change and that there was some noticeable large and loose gravel upon entry from the Braywick entrance of the bridge.

ACTION- Lisa Hughes to email Ambika Chouhan photos of the issues raised for further discussion.

At the end of the discussion, Members thanked Ambika and her team for all of their hard work and noted that this bridge was a great tribute to Margaret Bowdery.