Local Access Forums (LAFs) are statutory advisory bodies established under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
Purpose
Leeds LAF represents diverse users and provides independent advice to Leeds City Council and Natural England on how to make the countryside more accessible and enjoyable for open‑air recreation, while balancing the needs of land management and conservation.
LAFs represent a wide range of interests involved in management and enjoyment of:
- public rights of way
- open access land
- countryside and green spaces
It considers the needs of landowners and land managers alongside the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty, wildlife and heritage.
Meetings and responsibilities
The forum meets four times a year. It is a statutory consultee on certain access related matters, including:
- Rights of Way Improvement Plans (ROWIPs): Reviewing and preparing these plans for better public access.
- Public Rights of Way (PRoW): Changes, diversions, maintenance, and managing issues like obstructions (locked gates, unauthorised vehicle access).
- Open access land: Decisions on managing access to mountain, moor, heath, and common land, including installing barriers or managing vegetation.
- Byelaws: Making or reviewing byelaws affecting open access land.
- Sustainable transport and recreation: Advice on improving public access for walking, cycling, and other outdoor recreation.
- Planning and development: Consultation on major developments (housing, wind farms, power lines) that could impact public access.
- Policy and strategy: Responding to broader policies like Active Travel Plans, Local Development Plans, and Outdoor Access Strategies
The forum may also comment on proposed national legislation and policy and contribute to regional and national forums.
Public attendance
Two meetings each year (typically May and September) are held in person at Leeds Civic Hall and are open to members of the public to attend as observers.
Members of the public may speak at the discretion of the chair. Attendance does not automatically include the opportunity to speak. Time constraints may limit public participation.
Meeting minutes are on the Democracy website.
Membership
Up to 12 volunteer members, representing a broad range of interests, including:
- users of local rights of way or open access land (such as walkers, horse riders and cyclists)
- landowners or occupiers of land which has a public right of access
- representatives of issues relevant to the area, such as tourism, nature and heritage conservation, health, public transport or community safety
- parish councils
- other relevant countryside and access interests
In addition:
- two elected Councillors sit on the forum
- a chair is elected from within the membership
- the forum secretary role is provided by a Council officer
Members are not paid, but may claim reasonable expenses for attending meetings. Appointments typically last up to three years, and members are expected to demonstrate an active commitment.
A full list of current members is on the Democracy Leeds website.
Vacancies and expressions of interest
There are currently vacancies for members who can represent:
- landowners
- businesses
- minority and under‑represented groups with an interest in countryside access
Anyone is encouraged to get in touch with an interest in:
- land and land management
- nature conservation and heritage
- tourism, health, transport or business
Email: PROW@leeds.gov.uk
Phone: 0113 378 6002
