- to receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were accepted from Elaine Mason, James Nicholas and Chris Lingard.

None, other than those already notified to the TLAF.

- to receive the minutes of the meeting held on 30 August 2012.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 30 August 2012 were accepted and agreed as an accurate report of the meeting.

·         The South West LAF Chairs meeting is taking place on 30 November 2012 – Bob Harvey will be attending and will circulate a note following the meeting.

Carole Box, Chair of the Torbay Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) attended the meeting.  Bob Harvey explained the remit of the CPRE which works with as many organisations as it can.  It is a voluntary association funded by membership fees, legacies etc.  Carole explained that the Torbay CPRE looks at a variety of issues including greenspace, protecting walks, Devon banks, walls, heritage, the natural beauty of the Bay and Ash die back.  It is also looking at grant funding for, among others, cycle trails, education for children, keeping walking areas open. 

The Churston, Galmpton and Broadsands Community Partnership is also looking at safety in walking, protecting visitors, are keen to protect natural food sources and not to rely on supermarkets and to use supporting land to grow food.  The Churston Golf Club issue was discussed briefly and it was agreed that Carole would brief the Brixham representatives separately. 

It was agreed that the LAF members do not necessarily have the expertise to comment on specific issues regarding planning applications.  It was suggested that a discussion on how to deal with planning applications and co-ordination of responses should be on the next agenda.

There was a discussion on how the LAF could better work with CPRE.  It was agreed that Carole would share her expertise on issues by meeting with individual members for the appropriate area.  It was also agreed that Carole would inform the LAF of any issues coming up.

-       to discuss Local Plan Consultation

The members agreed that they did not feel they had enough time to consider the Local Plan consultation.

Margaret Forbes-Hamilton has comments from the Torquay Neighbourhood Groups which she will send round to everyone. 

A question was raised as to whether the full Local Plan should have been sent to the Chairman.

Action:  It was agreed that members would formulate a question and send it to the secretary to collate by Monday, 3 December.  These would then be forwarded to Spatial Planning.

-       to discuss training session to be arranged with Hilary Winter and Dot Isgrove.

Phil Collins has had a discussion with Hilary Winter who has agreed to deliver a training session.  Phil will go back to Hilary to see if an early evening session would be acceptable.  This is likely to take place in the early Spring.

Torquay Co-ordinator

Margaret Forbes-Hamilton

·         There is a meeting on Monday to discuss the Torquay Neighbourhood Plan.

Paignton Co-ordinator

Wanda Hollingworth

·         A public right of way at Oldway has been closed, there is a concern that it may not open again.

Brixham Co-ordinator

Robert Boyd – currently no issues

The TLAF considered the information sharing sheet.  

·         The next National LAF Conference is taking place on 27 February 2013.  Phil Collins will go if he is available. 

·         Independent Panel on Forestry consultation – letter to DEFRA – Phil proposed agreement and Wanda seconded. 

·         Bob Harvey briefed the Board on the ash die back situation.  The question was asked whether the LAF should be doing anything.  By next summer it will become clear which trees have been affected.  However there is not an expectation that it will have an effect on public access. 

·         Bob Harvey proposed a resolution that the Council should provide the Chairman and Secretary with copies of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and Guidance on Local Access Forums in England.  Ian Doggett seconded.

2013 meetings

Thursday, 14 February at 6.00 pm

Thursday, 9 May at 6.00 pm

Thursday, 12 September at 6.00 pm

Venue for all meetings to be agreed

It was agreed that future meetings should be held in Paignton if possible and should continue to start at 6.00 pm.  Secretary to book venues.