Suffolk Local Access Forum terms of reference

As agreed on 7 July 2003

1. The Suffolk Local Access Forum will have a wide role in advising upon strategic access and recreation issues in Suffolk and act as a statutory advisor to the County Council as local highway authority. This will involve
   
   
2. Being consulted on:
   1. the draft maps of open countryside and registered common land for Suffolk
   2. any byelaws to be made by the access authority affecting access land
   3. the appointment of access wardens on land where the new right of access applies
   4. directions proposed by "relevant authorities" which would restrict or exclude long-term access from access land
   5. the preparation of rights of way improvement plans by the County Council, including any opportunities for access to open countryside especially where new linear routes may be desirable and assisting in setting priorities for implementation
      
      
3. Providing advice on for example:
   1. strategies or plans incorporating recreation and access which set rights of way and open access in a broad context
   2. the extent to which fair provision is made for all current and potential users and reflects the needs of local people and businesses
   3. the co-ordinated use of resources to provide and manage integrated recreation and access
   4. the dissemination of information to interested groups and the wider public
      
      
4. In providing advice the Local Access Forum should have regard to:
   1. the needs of land management
   2. the desirability of conserving the natural beauty of the area
   3. the management and maintenance of access whilst balancing this against the needs of biodiversity, wildlife management, the interests of land owners and managers, and countryside management projects in Suffolk.