The Buckinghamshire Local Access Forum is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 4 November 2026, with a number of key topics on the agenda. Discussions are expected to cover active travel consultations, updates on Chiltern Works, and the Chiltern National Landscape Access for All Grant Fund.

Active Travel Consultations

The forum is scheduled to review active travel consultations concerning routes from Haddenham to Thame and from Denham to Hillingdon. The Denham Link aims to connect Higher Denham, Denham Green, and Denham Village, linking to National Cycle Network 5 and including proposals for footpath upgrades to bridleways and the dedication of a new bridleway. The Colne Valley Link is proposed between Denham Film Studios and Denham Green, with public consultation set to open on 30 November 2026. The Wycombe Valley Link, an active travel corridor focusing on Glenisters Road, Bellfield Road, Hughenden Boulevard, and Hughenden Park, will also be discussed, with public consultation opening on 12 November 2026. In partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, a cross-border project between Haddenham and Thame is underway to assess high-level route options and identify potential challenges, with public engagement having opened on 20 October 2026.

Chiltern Works Update

An update on Chiltern Works is scheduled, detailing ongoing and upcoming improvement and maintenance projects. Completed works include providing a hardened all-weather surface on footpath LMI/4 near Little Kingshill recreation ground and resurfacing a section of footpath HUG/96 in Great Kingshill to improve accessibility. Footpath BCS/66 in Yoesden Wood Nature Reserve is undergoing the addition of steps on a steep, muddy woodland path. Upcoming projects include providing an improved hardened all-weather surface for footpath GMI/71, a route to school from Link Road Car Park in Great Missenden. Footpaths GLK/37 and 37a between Little Kimble Train Station and Bridge Street are also set to receive hardened all-weather surfaces, as is footpath HWU/43a between Hardenwaye and Totteridge Recreation Ground. Byway GLK/48 will also see improvements to a small muddy section.

Chiltern National Landscape Access for All Grant Fund 2026-2027

The forum is expected to consider the Chilterns National Landscape Access for All Grant Fund for 2026-2027. The Chilterns National Landscape has received funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for capital expenditure aimed at enhancing accessibility within protected landscapes for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Approximately £429,000 is available, with application deadlines on 1 December 2026 and 20 January 2027. Members are invited to review project details and suggest potential ideas for projects that could be led by the council or by member organisations.

Policy Update

A policy update is scheduled, covering several key documents. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2026, published in August 2026, includes TR8: Public rights of way, which strengthens protection for the network and allows for improvements supporting recreation and active travel. TR4: Street design, access and parking, is relevant for seeking active travel improvements, and HC4: Proposals for new and improved community facilities, public service infrastructure and development providing health benefits, can be used to argue for greater public access to promote healthier lifestyles. The Buckinghamshire Local Plan, which sets out the long-term strategy for growth and development until 2045, is also on the agenda, with a decision on its submission for examination due in late November 2026. Local Transport Plan 5 (LTP5), adopted on 16 September 2026, includes a transport sustainability hierarchy and policies addressing equestrian needs and the maintenance of the public rights of way network. Additionally, the Active Travel England Rural Design Guidance, published in July 2026, provides technical advice for planning and designing walking, wheeling, and cycling routes in rural areas.

Outdoor Active Update

An update on the Outdoor Active project, Buckinghamshire's Pathfinder project, is scheduled. This initiative aims to improve awareness, accessibility, and usage of the county's countryside access network through a digital platform and curated route collection. The project has led to the development and launch of the Bucks Pathfinder digital platform and mobile application, offering route information, offline mapping, navigation, and interpretation content. The project has compiled a collection of promoted routes, including village walks, countryside routes, and multi-user trails, with an emphasis on showcasing opportunities within the Chilterns National Landscape.

Rights of Way Group Update

The forum is set to receive an update from the Definitive Map Team, covering the management of Definitive Map applications, village green applications, and efforts to address the backlog of Rights of Way work. This includes a discussion on a query regarding a Town or Village Green (TVG) application in Great Marlow Parish. The update will also address the Definitive Map as a living record, confirming that it is continually updated to reflect changes from development and infrastructure projects. The Definitive Map Team is now fully staffed but faces pressures from a historic DMMO backlog and increasing HS2-related applications. A significant operational change involves a 12-month temporary pause on accepting new Public Path Order (PPO) applications to redirect staff resources towards reducing the DMMO backlog.

Proposed Bridleway Creation, Wendover Woods

The creation of a proposed bridleway in Wendover Woods is scheduled for discussion.

Proposed Bridleway Creation, Wendover Woods

The creation of a proposed bridleway in Wendover Woods is scheduled for discussion.

Chiltern Works Update

An update on Chiltern Works is scheduled, detailing ongoing and upcoming improvement and maintenance projects. Completed works include providing a hardened all-weather surface on footpath LMI/4 near Little Kingshill recreation ground and resurfacing a section of footpath HUG/96 in Great Kingshill to improve accessibility. Footpath BCS/66 in Yoesden Wood Nature Reserve is undergoing the addition of steps on a steep, muddy woodland path. Upcoming projects include providing an improved hardened all-weather surface for footpath GMI/71, a route to school from Link Road Car Park in Great Missenden. Footpaths GLK/37 and 37a between Little Kimble Train Station and Bridge Street are also set to receive hardened all-weather surfaces, as is footpath HWU/43a between Hardenwaye and Totteridge Recreation Ground. Byway GLK/48 will also see improvements to a small muddy section.

Chiltern National Landscape Access for All Grant Fund 2026-2027

The forum is expected to consider the Chilterns National Landscape Access for All Grant Fund for 2026-2027. The Chilterns National Landscape has received funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for capital expenditure aimed at enhancing accessibility within protected landscapes for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Approximately £429,000 is available, with application deadlines on 1 December 2026 and 20 January 2027. Members are invited to review project details and suggest potential ideas for projects that could be led by the council or by member organisations.

Policy Update

A policy update is scheduled, covering several key documents. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2026, published in August 2026, includes TR8: Public rights of way, which strengthens protection for the network and allows for improvements supporting recreation and active travel. TR4: Street design, access and parking, is relevant for seeking active travel improvements, and HC4: Proposals for new and improved community facilities, public service infrastructure and development providing health benefits, can be used to argue for greater public access to promote healthier lifestyles. The Buckinghamshire Local Plan, which sets out the long-term strategy for growth and development until 2045, is also on the agenda, with a decision on its submission for examination due in late November 2026. Local Transport Plan 5 (LTP5), adopted on 16 September 2026, includes a transport sustainability hierarchy and policies addressing equestrian needs and the maintenance of the public rights of way network. Additionally, the Active Travel England Rural Design Guidance, published in July 2026, provides technical advice for planning and designing walking, wheeling, and cycling routes in rural areas.

Outdoor Active Update

An update on the Outdoor Active project, Buckinghamshire's Pathfinder project, is scheduled. This initiative aims to improve awareness, accessibility, and usage of the county's countryside access network through a digital platform and curated route collection. The project has led to the development and launch of the Bucks Pathfinder digital platform and mobile application, offering route information, offline mapping, navigation, and interpretation content. The project has compiled a collection of promoted routes, including village walks, countryside routes, and multi-user trails, with an emphasis on showcasing opportunities within the Chilterns National Landscape.

Rights of Way Group Update

The forum is set to receive an update from the Definitive Map Team, covering the management of Definitive Map applications, village green applications, and efforts to address the backlog of Rights of Way work. This includes a discussion on a query regarding a Town or Village Green (TVG) application in Great Marlow Parish. The update will also address the Definitive Map as a living record, confirming that it is continually updated to reflect changes from development and infrastructure projects. The Definitive Map Team is now fully staffed but faces pressures from a historic DMMO backlog and increasing HS2-related applications. A significant operational change involves a 12-month temporary pause on accepting new Public Path Order (PPO) applications to redirect staff resources towards reducing the DMMO backlog.

Proposed Bridleway Creation, Wendover Woods

The creation of a proposed bridleway in Wendover Woods is scheduled for discussion.