West Sussex Local Access Forum

The Local Access Forum provides independent advice on public access to land for public recreation and other purposes.

  1. Overview
  2. Become a member
  3. Meeting dates
  4. Agendas and minutes
  5. Contact the Forum
  6. Annual reports and advice

1 Overview

West Sussex Local Access Forum (WSLAF) is an independent official body, which aims to improve and protect countryside access in West Sussex. It covers the whole county, with the exception of the South Downs National Park which has its own Local Access Forum.

What does WSLAF do?

  • Advises on improving public access to land for informal public recreation.
  • Encourages the enjoyment and understanding of the countryside.
  • Considers the needs and concerns of land managers, tenants and owners.
  • Promotes the enhancement and conservation of the natural environment.
  • Works with the County Council to develop, protect and improve the rights of way network.
  • Broadens access to the rights of way network for everyone.

You can find more information on the role of Local Access Forums on GOV.UK.

Supporting documents

2 Become a member

If you feel passionately that public rights of way and access to the countryside should be protected and improved, and would really like to be involved in working to achieve this, you are the person we need.

If you are interested in becoming a member please contact us.

Forum membership

The Forum can have a maximum of 22 members representing a broad range of interests and views relating to the countryside.

Members of Local Access Forums include:

  • countryside users
  • landowners and managers
  • conservation
  • access for the disabled
  • planning
  • councillors
  • other interests in countryside access.

There are four meetings a year; two formal meetings supported by West Sussex County Council, which are open to the public, and two informal meetings organised by Forum members. In addition, there may be site visits and working group meetings you can get involved with.

In order to give advice to a range of organisations, members are expected to engage in debate and seek consensus wherever possible, with the aim to protect and improve recreation access in the area covered by the Forum. This often takes place at meetings, but sometimes deadlines mean matters have to be considered outside of meetings, usually via email.

Those on the Forum give their time on a voluntary basis, however, transport costs are reimbursed.

Training in Rights of Way and countryside access matters is provided for new members.

Supporting documents

3 Meeting dates

The Forum meets formally twice a year, usually on Wednesdays between 10.30am-1.00pm, alternating between Chichester and Horsham. In between these meetings, members may meet informally to progress the work of the Forum. Meetings generally alternate between Chichester and Horsham.

Formal meetings are open to the public, but if you would like to attend or speak at a meeting you will need to contact the Forum Officer beforehand.

Scheduled future formal meetings

  • Wednesday 23 April 2025 – Chichester
  • Wednesday 15 October 2025 - Horsham

4 Agendas and minutes

2024

October

April

2023

October

April

2022

October

May

2021

October

April

2020

December

April - Scheduled meeting cancelled due to COVID-19

5 Contact the Forum

6 Annual reports and advice

Consultations and advice

2025 responses/advice

2024 responses/advice

2023 responses/advice

2022 responses/advice

Last updated:
23 April 2025
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