ACCESS FORUM Page 1 Agenda Item 4 THE CLA Tim Woodward MSc FRICS - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

LINCOLNSHIRE LOCAL ACCESS FORUM Page 1 Agenda Item 4 THE CLA

Tim Woodward MSc FRICS Page 2 Regional Surveyor, based in CLA East Regional Office

What is the CLA?  The Country Land and Business Association (formerly the Country Landowners’ Association)  Still known as “the CLA” Page 3  Founded 1907  About 30,000 members, collectively owning 50% of all rural land in England and Wales (more than 10 million acres)  Farmers, landowners, and more than 250 different sorts of rural businesses

CLA STRUCTURE  Headquarters in Belgrave Square in London, housing specialist advisory teams, policy advisers, finance, and public relations and press officers Page 4  Six regional offices, each with a team of Chartered surveyors and rural advisers  East region comprises ten counties, from the Humber to the Thames, with about 6,500 members  Specialised national access advisor

What does the CLA do? • Influences, lobbies, and formulates rural policy with Government and other stakeholders, at EU, national and local level • Provides free professional advice to members on Page 5 policy, law, tax, planning, environment, land use, rural funding, etc. • Provides opportunities for member liaison and networking • Provides member services and benefits

ACCESS TO THE COUNTRYSIDE Page 6

Public access to the countryside • CLA members seem generally happy with public access, provided users don’t trespass off RoWs, and respect property, crops, livestock and wildlife Page 7 • Many members provide permissive routes, to supplement public RoW • Are worried where public access facilitates rural crime and anti-social behaviour

Typical recent issues and areas of concern • The England Coast Path • Section 31(6) Highways Act 1980 statements Page 8 • Misuse of rights of way (trespass, dogs, horses, and signage) • Preventing use of RoW for fly-tipping, illegal hare coursing, and poaching

Typical recent issues and areas of concern • Responsibility for maintenance – surface, stiles, and gates • Network Rail level crossing closure programme – creation and closure of RoW Page 9 • RoW diversions for small-scale development and diversification projects • Permissive footpaths • Upgrading of RoW to cycle routes

Specialised technical advice on access matters • CLA Handbooks Page 10 • CLA Guidance notes • Other sources, like Gov.UK, local authorities, and other organisations • Technical events and seminars

THANK YOU Page 11 16 Belgrave Square London SW1X 8PQ Tel 020 7235 0511 Fax 020 7235 4696 Email mail@cla.org.uk Website www.cla.org.uk

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