The Connected Communities Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to meet on Tuesday 9 September 2025 to discuss the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, agree the terms of reference for a task and finish group, and review the committee's work programme. The meeting was due to take place at the Plough Lane Offices, Hereford. Councillor Ed O'Driscoll, Chairperson Connected Communities Scrutiny Committee, was scheduled to chair the meeting.

Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan

The committee was scheduled to review the draft Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). The report pack stated that the LCWIP is a strategic document that enables Herefordshire Council to plan and prioritise improvements to walking, cycling and wheeling infrastructure. The report pack stated that adoption of the LCWIP is essential for accessing future funding streams from the Department for Transport and Active Travel England (ATE), and improving the council's standing as an active travel authority. The report pack noted that councils with higher ratings are more likely to receive substantial funding and support.

The report pack stated that the LCWIP supports national objectives outlined in the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy and Gear Change policy, which aim to make active travel the natural choice for short journeys. It also aligns with the NHS Long Term Plan, which promotes walking and cycling as key contributors to public health.

The report pack stated that adopting the LCWIP offers multiple benefits, including enabling the council to take a proactive and evidence-led approach to transport planning, supporting public health by encouraging physical activity, reducing carbon emissions, and improving air quality. It also enhances access to education, employment, and services, particularly for those without access to private vehicles.

The report pack stated that a multi-channel consultation approach was undertaken to inform the development of the LCWIP, including:

• Online engagement via Commonplace
• Interactive mapping and surveys
• In-person engagement events
• Community feedback sessions and stakeholder engagement
• Ward member engagement
• Public feedback analysis

The report pack stated that key themes from the consultation included strong support for safer infrastructure, improved connectivity, and removal of barriers to walking and cycling.

The report pack stated that the infrastructure supported by the public included:

• Designating and enhancing Quiet Lanes
• Creating and improving off highway routes
• Upgrading junctions for safety and accessibility
• Introducing traffic calming
• Managing and improving footways
• Implementing modal filters
• Integrating green infrastructure
• Improving routes to school
• Providing additional cycle parking
• Enhancing signage and wayfinding
• Installing gateway features
• Improving street lighting

The report pack stated that key proposals included:

• Strengthening links to Hereford County Hospital
• Creating better connections between Lugwardine and Hereford City
• Improving links between Stretton Sugwas and Hereford City
• Upgrading walking and cycling infrastructure in Ledbury
• Delivering local quick wins, such as removing chicanes and barriers that hinder walking and cycling
• Providing additional crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists

The committee was invited to scrutinise the plan, provide feedback, and endorse its strategic direction.

Public Involvement in Housing Development Task and Finish Group

The committee was scheduled to agree the terms of reference for a task and finish group to look at good practice in public involvement in housing development and planning, including examples from other local authorities. The report pack stated that the task and finish group would:

• Look at good practice in public involvement in housing development and planning, including examples from other local authorities.
• Understand the points of a housing development when people in Herefordshire can and should be involved in housing development, including the Local Plan, Local Transport Plan, and planning application process.
• Scrutinise current practice and explore opportunities to apply learning from other local authorities to Herefordshire.

The report pack stated that the Herefordshire Council Plan 2024 – 2028 sets out key priorities for the council around housing, including a commitment to support the right housing in the right place – emphasising the importance of ensuring housing aligns with local needs and preserves the county's character and environment and creating the conditions to deliver sustainable growth across the county … enabling housing development and providing the right infrastructure.

Work Programme 2025/26

The committee was scheduled to consider the draft work programme for the Connected Communities Scrutiny Committee for September 2025 and beyond. The report pack stated that a well-considered work programme identifies priorities for the committee's work that align with corporate and partnership priorities, as well as reflecting community concern, ensures that each identified topic has clear objectives that focus the committee's work, creates a timetable for the committee's programme of work so that the committee carry out its work at the optimal time, and provides officers and partners with requirements for evidence that will support the committee in providing evidence-based scrutiny. The report pack stated that the committee chair meets regularly with the relevant corporate director and with officers of the council to identify potential priority areas of work for the committee. The report pack stated that the committee will be focussing some of its time on a task and finish group to look at the how Herefordshire Council engages with residents as part of the housing development and planning process. The report pack included the council's most recently published forward plan of key decisions, and the committee was invited to consider this, to ascertain whether there any forthcoming decisions which the committee would like to consider as part of their programme of work. The report pack listed additional topics proposed for future consideration, including the Hereford City Masterplan, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and broadband.