The Bury Local Access Forum is a statutory advisory body made up of volunteers who are interested in countryside access issues. The role of its members is to give advice on improving access to land that is used by the public for outdoor recreation and enjoyment.
Members of the public can attend forum meetings as observers. If you would like to attend a meeting please send an email to prowconsult@bury.gov.uk before the meeting and tell us if you would like to ask a question.
Details of the next meeting
The next Local Access Forum meeting will take place online on Wednesday 3 June 2026 at 1.30pm.
The agenda for the meeting
- Apologies
- Minutes of last meeting on 4 February 2026
- Matters arising
- Officer report - including a list of works since the last meeting
- Definitive Map Modification Orders
- Planning and Public Rights of Way guidance document update
- Public Path Orders
- Definitive Map and Statement consolidation
- Any other business
- Date of next meeting
Minutes of previous meeting
DRAFT Minutes of the Bury Local Access Forum Meeting held online via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 1.30pm
Present
LAF members
- EE (Chair)
- IP
- DB
- JS
- LT
- MS
Also present
- David Chadwick (LAF Secretary) - Bury Council
- Jon O’Connor – Bury Council
- Mike Bent – Bury Council
1. Apologies
- CT
- Councillor Quinn
2. Minutes of the last meeting
Accepted as an accurate record of the meeting.
3. Matters arising
MS raised an issue with damage to the surface of the Outwood Trail. It appeared that a number of vehicles had run along the Trail and left significant tracks in the surface.
IP asked for clarification regarding access to the Outwood Trail for horses. MB responded that he would have a look at the issue.
4. Officer Report – including list of works since last meeting
DC presented a report listing works carried out on the PROW network since October 2025. He highlighted the £3.2m scheme that replaced the bridge across The Irwell at Milltown Street, Radcliffe which has been funded by the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement and the Mayor’s Challenge Fund
5. Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2050 consultation
EE asked the group if they wished to respond to the consultation on an individual basis or through the LAF. He noted that there is very little reference to PROWs in the document and he would like to comment to support the GM Authorities and their PROW work.
IP suggested that the response should come from the LAF.
MS stated that this is a large document without much detail. It needs looking at to ensure everyone is involved. There needs to be some thought about the older generation and how they will travel.
EE asked for comments to be sent to him by 28 February for him to prepare a response for the LAF.
DC added that the Public Rights of Way Officers in Greater Manchester are seeking clarification regarding the relevance of a transport policy to the PROW network. He will update the LAF on any further information.
6. Definitive Map Modification Orders and policy update
DC confirmed that a DMMO Policy has been officially adopted and will be made available to the LAF and published online.
DC informed the group that the DMMO for Public Footpath Number 21, Bury has been advertised. It is 2 weeks into the advertising period and the Authority is aware that there is likely to be an objection from one of the landowners. The closing date for objections is 12th March 2026.
EE asked if there had been any contact from the Planning Inspectorate regarding the Higher Pit Lane DMMO. DC confirmed that there had not.
IP informed the group that she is putting together a DMMO claim based on user evidence for Brinks Lane and Public Footpath Number 23 Christchurch, Radcliffe, to upgrade the footpath route to bridleway.
7. Planning and Public Rights of Way guidance document update
DC explained that a new draft has been worked on with JOC and Planning and that it needed finalising before taking it forward.
EE stated that he wants the applicant to be obliged to include all PROWs on their plans. DC will check with Planning as to whether this requirement can be defended if challenged by the applicant.
IP added that PROWs are a material consideration for a planning application and they should be taken into account.
DC clarified that Planning are very good at consulting with him on PROW matters.
8. Public Path Orders
DC informed the LAF that there are no new PPOs being considered. The diversion of part of Public Footpath Number 160, Bury remains with Legal Services following the receipt of an unresolved objection.
9. Definitive Map and Statement consolidation
EE asked for an action plan laying out how the Authority intends to tackle the consolidation of the Definitive Map and Statement.
DC agreed and added that he and JOC are attending a two day seminar next month, covering the requirements of consolidating the records. Once armed with that information, the Authority can look to put together a realistic action plan in time for the next LAF meeting.
EE suggested that the need for GM Authorities to consolidate their definitive record could be included in the GM Transport Strategy.
10. Any other business
MS asked about the Haweswater Underpass which was discussed at length at the previous LAF meeting.
DC explained that the scheme is going ahead and that National Highways are committed to funding the construction of the new route and the Authority will oversee the project. The requirement to provide the route through the underpass is included in the planning conditions for the works to the motorway at Simister Island.
MS stated that this is a much needed route and asked if Public Footpath Number 9, Whitefield could be upgraded to bridleway as part of the motorway project.
DC explained that National Highways do not own the relevant land and so cannot commit to an upgrade. However, they have been asked to construct the diverted path to a standard that might allow a change of status in the future.
DC explained that the proposed development of the area will give opportunities for new routes.
MS responded that there would be a significant reduction of greenspace after the development, which may reduce the need for improved access for recreational purposes.
11. Date and time of next meeting
Wednesday 3 June 2026 at 1.30pm on ‘Teams’