Local Access Forum

Local Access Forum Roles and Responsibilities

The Nottingham Local Access Forum (LAF) is an independent advisory body set up in 2004 under Section 94 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Assessing the extent to which local rights of way network meets the present and likely future needs of the public
Commenting on opportunities for access to the open spaces within Nottingham and further afield where appropriate
Commenting on access to places of work, education and local services
Assisting the Council in developing and implementing its plans and policies
Delivering improvements to the walking, riding and cycling network

The Forum is consulted on four main topics:

Implementation and management of access to and through Nottingham
Changes to the Rights of Way network through planning, development and land use proposals
Creation, improvement and loss of public access
Implementing the policies within the Rights of Way Improvement Plan and other relevant plans

In providing advice, the forum must have consideration for:

Social, economic and environmental interests
The needs and abilities of different users
Improving the quality of life for local people

Click below to download our PDF Document on who we are and what we do

Who we are and what we do

LAF minutes, agendas and reports

Click below to download and view the PDF documents

LAF meetings 2023 - 2024

Nottingham LAF Agenda 9 October 2024
The meetings on 10 April 2024 and 10 July 2024 were cancelled
Nottingham LAF Minutes Of Meeting 10 January 2024
Nottingham LAF Agenda 10 January 2024
Nottingham LAF Minutes Of Meeting 11 October 2023
Nottingham LAF Agenda 11 October 2023
Nottingham LAF Agenda 12 July 2023
Nottingham LAF Minutes Of Meeting 19 April 2023
Nottingham LAF Agenda 19 April 2023
Nottingham LAF Minutes Of Meeting 11 January 2023
Nottingham LAF Agenda 11 January 2023

Previous LAF minutes, agendas and reports

Examples of LAF work

Two of the City Council's priorities are to promote a "healthy Nottingham" and to improve the quality of life of its citizens. To get Nottingham active, since 2011 the LAF have produced a series of self-guided walk leaflets promoting walking, public rights of way and local history. To view the LAF walks and other walks across Nottingham visit the Walking in Nottingham Page.

Visit "Walking in Nottingham" webpage.

Working arrangements

The Nottingham LAF meet formally 4 times a year at Loxley House, Station Street Nottingham NG2 3NG and all reports, minutes and agendas are publicly available. Other work includes advising the Council and other relevant bodies, attending regional and local meetings, and contributing to one or more of the LAF subgroups who meet outside formal meetings, as and when required.

Dates of LAF meetings 2025

8 January 2025 (Hybrid meeting, Loxley House and MS Teams)
9 April 2025 (arrangements TBC)
9 July 2025 (arrangements TBC)
8 October 2025 (arrangements TBC

All meetings start at 6:30pm and finish at 8:30pm.

Members of the public are welcome to attend meetings but may only raise items with the prior approval of the Chair. If you have any questions for the meeting please contact the LAF Secretary on 0115 876 5246 or email john.lee@nottinghamcity.gov.uk at least two weeks before the date of the meeting.

Would you like to become a LAF member? We are always keen to appoint new members and welcome new ideas, so why not get involved and help shape improvements to public rights of way and access in Nottingham and surrounding areas. Members should be representative of the following

Users of local rights of way
Owners and occupiers of land over which rights of way exist
Any other interests relevant to Nottingham and the surrounding area

The initial term of appointment of members will be between 1 and 3 years, depending on your time and other commitments; however, there is the opportunity for the appointment to be renewed.

Please click here to view the LAF

To see who we are and what we do click here.

If you would like to discuss your application or require further information on the LAF please email john.lee@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or phone 0115 8765246.

Members are encouraged to take part in training events, for example, visits to the local Archives office and researching evidence of historic public routes or how to make comments on planning applications.

Members will be entitled to claim any reasonable expenses incurred through attendance at meetings and other activities related to the work of the forum. This includes travel and subsistence costs and any childcare costs if necessary.

Rights of way improvement plans (ROWIP 1 and 2)

The forum was instrumental in helping the Council to prepare and publish the Rights of Way Improvement Plan and to implement its policies, where necessary holding the Council to account on its performance.

Please click here for rights of way improvement plans

Guide to public rights of way, planning and development

As a direct result of the ROWIP, the Council produced this easy to follow guide for all those involved in public rights of way, planners, developers and architects.

Policy on the use of barriers on public rights of way

Another direct result of the ROWIP. This explains the Councils position on dealing with motorcycles on the network while keeping it accessible and safe for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.