Motorcycles in the Countryside
Notes and action from the meeting held on 5th May 2004

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Present:

Richard King (Chair) - KCC Cabinet Member for Environment & Transportation
Paulina Stockell - KCC Lead Member for Strategic Planning
Linda Davies - KCC Divisional Director of Environment and Economy
Neil Hilkene KCC Principal Regeneration and Projects Officer
Mike Overbeke - KCC Head of Public Rights of Way
Malcolm Robertson - Maidstone BC Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport
Tom Sams - Maidstone Borough Councillor
Ian Roscow - Trail Riders Fellowship
PC Peter Knight - Kent Police
David Standen - Rail Link Countryside Initiative

1. DS presented the findings of his report the main conclusions of which were as follows:

· Provision of a venue for authorised motorcycling may not have a direct impact on levels of unauthorised access in the project area. However, establishment of a site provides an alternative and counters some of the criticism levelled at enforcement.

· Making provision for authorised sites is not reflected in current local authority planning policy or the general attitude adopted in relation to motorcycle provision. Positive policy guidelines and an increased willingness in local authorities to discuss options will promote discussion with potential operators and interest groups.

· Based on current policies, land availability and demand, there is a considerably higher chance of establishing a time limited site or an indoor centre as part of regeneration initiatives than a permanent open air facility.

· Local authorities have a key role in achieving a balanced approach to unauthorised access and future provision of authorised use sites. Kent County Council is ideally placed to facilitate and broker necessary discussions.

2. RK talked about the role of the Structure Plan and the opportunity to include something within the Plan supporting provision for noisy sports. This in turn would influence future policy in Local Development Documents (LDD) which are set to replace Local Plans. MR mentioned that Maidstone BC are looking to include just such a policy as part of their work on a new LDD. NH pointed out that there was also scope for the preparation of Supplementary Planning Guidance and this could be directly linked to best practice achieved through a demonstration site.

3. A key issue emerging from the report was the difficulty associated with finding a site that would satisfy planning criteria. DS felt that by working with local planning officers it would be possible to identify time limited sites in regeneration areas where the lead time for development was much longer. He identified the Gravesham and Swale areas as having potential and had some positive feedback from the local authorities.

4. IR mentioned LARA (Land Access & Recreation Association) who have developed considerable experience in policy matters and who he felt would be willing to come and share this with Kent planners and other groups as appropriate. IR would be happy to contact LARA in this respect and also attend a meeting. Further details of the Association can be found at www.laragb.org

5. TS highlighted the need to continue to address existing issues and on going problems related to unauthorised access. MO and MR reported on action currently being taken in the Boxley area and along the Pilgrims Way including the current action to restrict motorised access which has become a legal test case of national interest. RK reiterated KCC's support but also to see alternative provision rather than just prohibition. IR stated that we should not forget those persons who use routes legitimately and follow the Trail Riders Fellowship codes of conduct and who have been involved in collaborative work to restore damaged paths.

6. PK referred to a further initiative later in the year along the lines of Operation Freedown which had been viewed as a great success. He confirmed that the setting up of sites would greatly help the police in the campaign against unauthorised access.

7. The following actions were agreed at the end of the meeting:

i.) DS should be appointed by KCC Strategic Planning to undertake further work over the next 6 months to help establish a best practice demonstration site;

ii.) DS through KCC Strategic Planning and with support from IR as appropriate should present his findings on planning issues to the Kent Planning Officers Group;

iii.) LD/NH to liase with the KCC Structure Plan Team on the inclusion of a policy or text reference as appropriate dealing with provision for noisy sports in the Plan;

iv.) KCC Strategic Planning as part of assisting the establishment of a demonstration site should investigate potential funding sources to support community involvement and participation;

v.) All interests should continue to pursue enforcement measures as appropriate and work with the Police to clamp down on unauthorised use; and

vi.) A further meeting would be held in late autumn (October/November) to review progress.

Motorcycle in the Countryside Meeting Note & Actions/NPH/10.05.04