Representation by Hampshire Countryside Access Forum (Hampshire Countryside Access Forum)
- Date submitted
- 13 March 2023
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
Hampshire Countryside Access Forum (HCAF) is an independent statutory body with members who represent the views of recreational users, land managers and others with an interest in countryside access. The main function of this group is to look at how the public rights of way network and access land is managed and improved, forum members will also be asked to comment on broader access, transport and countryside subjects, where there is an impact to the countryside, and access to it. HCAF advises the County Council and other organisations on improving opportunities to enjoy Hampshire’s countryside and coast. The Forum encourages and assists access provision and gives strategic advice on issues of particular local relevance. We note that this scheme will impact on the public rights of way network, National Cycle network and the access to the countryside for all user groups (including people walking, cycling, wheeling, using mobility vehicles and riding horses). This impact will be during construction and on completion of the scheme. We are supportive of measures to improve access as a result of the scheme, and keen to engage in order to ensure that proposals will deliver the benefits applicant has suggested. We are also keen to engage to ensure the minimum of disruption to users’ access to the countryside during the scheme’s construction.