From:
Sent: 01 April 2020 08:14
To:
Cc:
Subject:RE: Cancellation/postponement of MoD liaison meeting on 12 March 2020
Attachments: CSF 2019 20.docx; CSF 2020 21.docx; Aldershot B6 Permissive Path.pdf; 20191113 -
Dog
on MOD Heathland tri fold.pdf
All,
I hope this email finds you well considering the circumstances. It is always
disappointing when meetings have to be cancelled, however as social distancing and
limitations on leaving our property becomes more common place we have little option. I
have not received any topics from members for discussion so I will focus on three main
areas, these being CSF 2019 projects, CSF 2020 projects and the Byelaw Review.
CSF 2019/20
Pirbright circular (see attached)
I can confirm that the a majority of the works have been completed along the Pirbright
and Caesars Camp routes. The main pieces of work completed include surface repair
and improvements along with vegetation clearance. Landmarc are waiting for
clarification of where the gas pipelines run around the northern perimeter of Pirbright
Ranges before completing the installation of the waymark posts and the two bridle
gates. Action: Landmarc to arrange meeting with gas companies to identify pipeline
route.
I have received confirmation from Surrey County Council that they intend to improve the
bridge near Cowshot Common (marked X on the attached) this financial year, the
caveat being as long as their funding is not reduced by Central Government or
redirected internally. Currently the bridge is only suitable for pedestrians, although
there is an area immediately to the north of the bridge where horses etc. have crossed
the shallow stream in the past. This has created a ford like crossing that may be
suitable for the short term. Action: I would appreciate comments on suitability from
and
if possible to see if the current situation is considered acceptable, as
when we are allowed out again!
The route through the old Deepcut barracks site is still under review and as the SANG
develops we hope to confirm the line. Until then cyclists and walkers will have to use
the access road between Lock Cottage and Deepcut Bridge Road and then the road
north to Colony Gate where they can re-enter MOD land and continue on their journey.
I am working towards an alternative route for equestrians from the road junction and
narrow bridge at the Junction of Connaught Road west, using Brunswick Road for
approximately 750m then turning south to cross the canal and under the railway line
joining Gole Road opposite Goal Farm. This route requires further investigation with
both Basingstoke Canal and Network Rail.
We are still actively pursuing the diversions (north of Colony Gate and Folly Bog) and
dedication of the footpath sections within MOD ownership to bridleway to ensure clarity
and consistency. Last week I was advised by our Land Management Service that the
600m or so of footpath north of Colony Gate can be included within the diversion
package so I will be submitting this within the next week.
Caesars Camp (see attached Aldershot B6 pdf – Courtesy of Landmarc)
Extensive vegetation clearance and new fencing has been completed. The photos
show the extent of the works and the realignment of the southern section of fencing to
make it more accessible for equestrians. The surface of the path through the clearance
has been affected by the amount of rain we had during February. I am hoping that the
surface will dry out over the next few months, if not we may consider some further
surface improvements in 2021/22The photo of the vegetation clearance shows the
surface being very wet, unfortunately this was due to the storms we had in February
A coral has been installed at the northern entry / exit point to allow horse riders and
cyclists a safe haven away from the busy road before having to open the gate to enter
the land. The route is also being used as the King Alfred’s Way, a long distance circular
cycle route developed by Kieran Foster of Cycling UK – see links below on more
information relating to the trail.
https://www.cyclinguk.org/kingalfredsway
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e1971793333e41a8a6d32327b2722057
CSF Project 2021/22 (see attached)
Hawley Lakes
a)
Extending the bridleway around the southern boundary of what is locally called
Coffin Wood. We are hoping to dedicate this as a bridleway maintained to a
width of a minimum of 4m. The works will include some vegetation clearance
along the section running north west through the woodland and waymarking.
b)
The widening of the existing footpath that runs from the troop assembly point
next to the sailing club north east towards Hawley. We are hoping to dedicate
this section as a definitive bridleway with a width of 4m once the works have
been completed.
Longmoor – Woolmer
To create a permissive bridleway that links the National Trust land at Thorn Hill to the
definitive bridleway network at Conford. This will include a new bridge on the boundary
of MOD and NT land and some vegetation clearance.
Ash Range Circular
We are looking to create a permissive route around the perimeter of Ash Range where
feasible. This will use existing public rights of way where possible and a network of
permissive bridleways. The solid black line is the route that has been confirmed to date
and the dotted lines being possible options. There are a couple of areas that need
some further thought particularly at the following points:
a)
The route is quite narrow here, we are going to move the fence back next to the
workshop which will certainly allow for cyclist and walkers but I would like to get
the thoughts for equestrian use. Action:
and
– I would like you
thoughts on suitability please.
b)
The approaches to the bridge are quite steep and suitable for cycling and walking
but my feeling is that it may be too steep for equestrian use. We may be able to
flatten the approaches a view on equestrian use would be welcome. Action:
and
– I would like you thoughts on suitability please.
c)
The section running behind the range is narrow in places, although access for
cycling and walking is fine. We are looking at clearing some vegetation, moving
a small section of fence and carrying out some repairs to the revetments to make
it more suitable for equestrian use. Action:
and
– I would like you
thoughts on suitability please.
Byelaw Review
As you are aware the MOD are making new byelaws for the continuing safe use of
military land in the Aldershot and District Area that will help minimise interference with
military operations and help protect the public. To ensure the new byelaws are fit for
purpose the language and mapping needs updating to reflect the current use and extent
of the military estate. Around Home Counties and surrounding area there are currently
four separate sets of byelaws:
*
Aldershot & District Military Lands Byelaws 1976
*
Ash Ranges Byelaws 1983
*
Longmoor Ranges & Demolition Training Area Byelaws 1982
*
Surrey Commons Military Byelaws 1978
The current review will focus on the training estate around Home Counties to create a
new Aldershot and District Military Lands Byelaw (2020!). The areas covered will
include:
*
Aldershot Long Valley
*
Aldershot Garrison
*
Hawley, Minley and Camberley
*
Pirbright Camp, Ash and Pirbright Ranges
Longmoor and District Military Lands Byelaws will follow.
Any new byelaws must comply with Military Lands Act 1892 which includes going out to
public consultation. The usual consultation period is 35 days, however due to the size
of the area this has been extended to 60 days. The following link will take you to the
consultation pages:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/proposed-new-or-replacement-mod-
byelaws-undergoing-public-consultation
It is expected that an explanatory document will accompany the consultation to aid
understanding and as a means of FAQ.
As well as updating the language and maps of existing byelaws we will be addressing
the blanket prohibition on cycling and horse riding across the estate. It is not clear how
this will look on-site as the mechanism for this has not yet been agreed.
Timescale (as of February 2020)
Early March – internal consultation, submission to Minister for approval, preparations for
press release and arrangements for public meetings if necessary
Late March – Bylaws Review Team commence public consultation
Late May – minor changes completed following consultation and submitted to Minister
for final approval
Late June – Byelaws delivered
The current impact on Coronavirus across the business has meant delays are
inevitable, however I will update the group once I have a more information.
SAMM (Sustainable Access Monitoring and Management) update
I am pleased to say that the recent SAMM warden H&S briefing went very well. We had
16 Thames Basin Heath (TBH) SAMM wardens attend the yearly briefing, only 3 of
these were new to the service. We had a good day with the morning taken up with the
mandatory health and safety briefing and MOD / DIO introductions, a very hearty lunch
at the canteen (thanks to
and T
for arranging this), with the afternoon
spent walking around G2 and the Basingstoke Canal. It was also an opportunity to
show the new Home Counties specific Dog Walking leaflet that I developed following
feedback from the SAMM wardens that local residents wanted something more specific
to the area. It was completed with cooperation with the TBH media officer. I have
attached a copy for reference.
A.O.B
In addition to the above I have received a couple of emails from members of the group:
Reportee
Question
Action
My only other outstanding question is the status of the
signage at Chilcomb Ranges, which is still 20+ years out
of date with its contact numbers!!
Action –
to
investigate the
possibility of adding
new signage to the
CSF 2020/21
projects.
I had hoped to raise some requests for amendments
to riding permit conditions. I
have previously sent these,
but
haven’t yet heard anything back. The email was
sent on 28th November 2019
and points 2 and 3 refer.
2) The second query was from
several members who asked if it was
possible that the permit scheme
could be amended to allow permit
holders to ride on other areas, for
example, could permit holders for
Ash/Pirbiright also be allowed to ride
on Hankley and perhaps
Longmoor. They can, after all, only
be in one place at one time.
3) The third related to permit holders
who have friends who very
occasionally want to box over and
join them on a ride, but whose
friends don’t have a permit because
it’s very rare for them to be in the
area. I wondered if this could be as
simple as, when the permit holder
phones the ops. room to see if it’s
clear to go out, they could mention
that they’re taking a friend with them
and the ops. room could ok that. You
could set a limit on it of, say, four
times a year?
Action –
to
investigate and get
back to
and
the MOD Group
I you would like to discuss any of the above in more detail please do not hesitate to
contact me.
I hope that everyone stays safe and well and I look forward to seeing you at the next
meeting.
Best regards,
Safety, Health, Environmental Protection and Sustainability
Technical Services
Defence Infrastructure Organisation |
Mob:
Please note that my email has changed to
| Website: https://www.gov.uk/public-access-to-military-areas
From:
Sent: 13 March 2020 16:15
To:
Subject: RE: Cancellation/postponement of MoD liaison meeting on 12 March 2020
You may all be interested in this:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/proposed-new-or-replacement-mod-byelaws-
undergoing-public-consultation/mod-aldershot-and-district-update
Best wishes
From:
r
Sent: 09 March 2020 12:48
To:
Cc:
Subject: Cancellation/postponement of MoD liaison meeting on 12 March 2020
Hi all
The MoD is concerned about personnel travelling to meetings until the coronavirus threat becomes
clearer. Accordingly, I have agreed with
and
that we will not meet on 12
March.
The two main items on the agenda were to be:
By-laws Review: public consultation has yet again been postponed. The BRT are sending out an
update,
and
will circulate it to members of this group once published on their site.
Multi-user Routes:
will circulate an e-mail reporting what he would have said, and
further
discussion can be picked up by e-mail.
If anyone had any other urgent points they wished to raise, please do so by e-mail.
We can take stock of future meeting dates in the light of these and other developments.
Best wishes