About the Local Access Forum
What is a Local Access Forum?
Local Access Forums (LAFs) advise decision-making organisations (e.g. local authorities) about changes and improvements to public access for outdoor recreation and sustainable travel. LAF members are volunteers which represent a range of different people and interests from the local community.
LAFs were created through the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000, which aims to improve public access to the countryside while also protecting the interests of landowners and occupiers. LAFs set their own priorities depending on local issues. They can also respond to consultations and comment on draft policy documents. When making recommendations, LAF members consider land use as well as the need to care for natural and cultural heritage.
Within Norfolk, there are two LAFs. The Broads LAF covers the area falling within the Broads National Park and the Norfolk LAF (NLAF) which covers the rest of the county and is supported by Norfolk County Council as the 'appointing authority'.
Norfolk Local Access Forum (NLAF)
The Norfolk Local Access Forum (NLAF) is an independent forum of volunteers. It provides strategic advice on the improvement of public access to the countryside in Norfolk.
Improving countryside access for all not only creates a more joined-up and better-quality network, it also provides benefits across many sectors of society, businesses, health and the natural and historic environment.
Key NLAF highlights include:
- The NLAF can have up to 22 members, with an additional three County Councillors. Members are appointed for a term of up to three years.
- Members of the Forum are independent volunteers and represent those involved with access to the countryside, including landowners, users and those with environmental conservation interests. Members provide strategic advice on the improvement of public access to the countryside in Norfolk for recreation and enjoyment.
- Members of the Norfolk LAF (NLAF) meet formally 2-4 times a year, these meetings are called forums. Additional informal meetings such as site visits and workshops can be held when required.
- Meetings typically cover relevant reports, consultations on major planning proposals and updates on ongoing projects that impact the countryside. Members share their views, put forward ideas, and work together offering advice to NCC and other external organisations - which has to be legally considered. As such, NLAF has the potential to significantly influence decision-making around access to the outdoors.
The NLAF's work is guided by the Norfolk Access Improvement Plan (NAIP), which sets out priorities over the next 10 years to increase public use and enjoyment of Norfolk's Public Rights of Way network.
The NLAF has set up an independent charity - Pathmakers Charitable Incorporated Organisation (charity number 1161475) - which can seek funding for access improvements. Pathmakers and the NLAF work together on their shared mission to improve countryside access in Norfolk.
