Questions at Any Time to Cabinet Portfolio Holders

The meeting dealt with one question, from Councillor Karl Lewis to Councillor Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys. He asked how the Council could better support farmers with footpath changes and rights of way. The minute records her written answer. It records no decision.

1. Supporting farmers and improving rights of way in Llandinam with Dolfor

   Decided

   The minutes record no decision on this item.

   Why

   Councillor Lewis, Leader of the Reform UK Wales Group, asked the Council to streamline Public Path Orders (legal orders to divert or close a path), cut their costs, favour moving paths to field edges and look at moving paths onto common land. She said any review of charges would have to consider the Council's legal powers, finances and need to recover costs, and that officers will keep working with landowners, farming representatives and the Local Access Forum (an advisory group on access) to look for improvements.

   Based on the minutes

Written by AI from the council's minutes and reports. Sentences with a number or name that can't be found in those papers are removed automatically, but mistakes are still possible. Councils publish no word-for-word record of meetings, so this says what was decided and why. Read the official papers to be sure.

1. 1

   Question from: County Councillor Karl Lewis Subject: Supporting Farmers and Improving Rights of Way in Llandinam with Dolfar

   Minute

   Response by the Cabinet Member: Thank you, Councillor Lewis, for your question and for recognising the important contribution that farmers and landowners make to both food production and the stewardship of Powys' countryside. The public rights of way network is a shared asset, and its successful management depends on positive relationships between the Council, landowners, farming businesses, local communities and users. We recognise that farmers often play a significant role in maintaining access across their land whilst balancing the practical demands of modern agricultural businesses. Powys County Council already works closely with landowners through its Countryside Services team, the Powys Local Access Forum and day-to-day engagement on path maintenance, enforcement and access matters. We are committed to building on these relationships by providing clear advice, encouraging early dialogue when issues arise, and seeking practical solutions that benefit both land management and public access. In addition to formal Public Path Orders, the Council's preferred approach is often to work constructively with landowners to resolve issues through discussion, good communication and practical management solutions wherever possible. Maintaining strong relationships with the farming community remains fundamental to the long-term management of the rights of way network. With regard to Public Path Orders, legislation requires the Council to follow a formal process when considering diversions or extinguishments. Applications must be assessed on their individual merits, taking account of the relevant statutory tests, public interest, land management considerations, environmental impacts and the interests of users. The Council recognises that, in some circumstances, diverting a path from the middle of an actively farmed field to a field edge or headland may provide benefits for both agricultural operations and public access. Applications would continue to be considered against the relevant statutory tests and available resources. Where proposals can demonstrate clear benefits for both agricultural land management and public access, these considerations can form part of the overall assessment. Similarly, where appropriate, alternative alignments may be considered as part of an application. However, the feasibility of any proposal will depend on land ownership, legal constraints, environmental considerations and the statutory requirements applicable in each case. The Council is also aware of concerns regarding the costs and timescales associated with Public Path Orders. Whilst we are always keen to identify efficiencies within our processes, we must operate within the statutory framework and available resources. Any review of charging arrangements would need to take account of the Council's legal powers, financial position and cost recovery requirements. Ultimately, our aim is to work collaboratively with farmers and landowners to maintain a rights of way network that is safe, accessible and sustainable, whilst recognising the vital role that agriculture plays in the economy, environment and communities of Powys. Officers will continue to work with landowners, farming representatives and the Local Access Forum to identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen partnership working and encourage practical solutions that support both sustainable agriculture and public access. Councillor Jackie Charlton Cabinet Member for A Greener Powys

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