Landowner Liaison
- wpeters421
- May 13
- 3 min read
Updated: May 14
The Role of FoRVW’s Landowner Liaison Team
It was almost 70 years ago that a local newspaper headline pronounced “Branch Line to be Torn Up” and “No Future Plans”. Consequently the track bed between Midhurst and Petersfield was sold back into private ownership after a century of operation.
Since then many bridge spans have been removed, housing has been developed (especially at the Petersfield end) and private gardens established and yet the evidence of the old line is still very visible. It doesn’t take much imagination to see how this could be transformed into a non-motorised multi user path, especially when considering that our Park Authority has mandated that “The safeguarding of these routes will protect them from any development that would prevent future proposals to convert them to non-motorised user paths.” SDNPA’s policy document SD20 goes on;
“In many cases, the exact route of development for these schemes is not yet established; some diversions from the original railway line route may well ultimately be necessary. If a site along one of the safeguarded routes is proposed for redevelopment or conversion then the route of the former railway must be protected within the proposed development.”
So you might think that the role of the team involved in mapping out the potential route and talking to the land owners should not be too onerous. Using data compiled by SDNPA from land registry records, we use detailed maps identifying individual land parcels and their owners along the entire 9 ½ miles stretch including a 100m corridor either side. The maps look like jigsaw puzzles with some very awkward fiddly pieces around built up areas. We also found sections where the ownership had not been registered or that we had to deal with absentee landlords via their agents. What seemed to be a straightforward task has proved all the more difficult as some landowners have refused to engage on any level, despite letters, emails, offers of meetings etc.
In the best case scenario, a bridleway already exists along the track bed and the discussion revolves around obtaining landowner consent for a 25 year lease where the Rother Valley Way project (through the SDNPA) will bear all costs for the development and future maintenance of the path. That includes any hedging, fences or gates. There’s also some basic compensation indexed to the value of the land itself. Generally we discuss a 5m wide corridor after allowing for the path width and the borders either side. It’s a similar case where a footpath exists, although here the path status needs to be altered to include other non-motorised users.
Along those sections of track bed where there is no existing public right of way, then we seek the goodwill of the land owner to permit access with a long term permissive path agreement again taking into account the large investment that is required to transform the old line.
Patience, diplomacy and being a good listener are just some of the attributes our team need to display and we’re motivated by the future benefits the RVW will deliver to our local communities. With Centurion Way on our doorsteps we have the perfect example to showcase. Why should it be beyond the imagination that we might one day be able to enjoy an off road route from Petersfield to Chichester via Midhurst?
Chris Steibelt - FoRVW
FoRVW is a community group of local individuals and organisations who have come together to deliver the project alongside Shortcut (Sussex Hampshire Off-Road Track - reg. charity established 2012). The FoRVW Steering Committee brings together statutory authorities such as South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA), West Sussex County Council (WSCC) and Hampshire County Council (HCC) together with local groups including Sustrans and Midhurst Area Cycling (MAC).
The cycle path is very much a community initiative, so if you feel you have skills and time to contribute we'd welcome your support. Roles that we are particularly looking to fill include:
Communications support - to include SEO help
Project planning & delivery support
Mapping/GIS support
Funding Strategy & Grant Applications
To express your interest or receive more information about any of these roles please get in touch by emailing networks@rothervalleyway.org.uk