Meeting documents

EEC/06/42/LSO

North Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee

12 December 2006

Devon Local Transport Plan - Scheme for Formal Approval

Proposed Footway and Cycleway, Braunton Road to Pilton School and Fairview, Barnstaple

Report of the Area Engineer (North)

Please note these recommendations are subject to consideration and determination by the Committee before taking effect.

Recommendations: It is recommended that:

(a) the previous scheme approved on 7 December 2004 be rescinded;

(b) the scheme shown on drawing number EATS(N)85-22-00 be approved at an estimated cost of 215,000;

(c) a planning application be made in respect of the scheme;

(d) approval is sought from the Executive Member for Environment for the use of Compulsory Purchase Order Powers should land acquisition by agreement not be forthcoming.

1. Summary

The report seeks approval for a new cycleway footway scheme in Barnstaple. The scheme will extend the cycling and walking network within the town and link to existing and proposed sections of the National Cycle Network. The scheme will also provide new links to schools in the Pilton area.

2. Background

Barnstaple has an extensive cycle and walking network which links residential areas, schools, employment and shopping. This network has been extended and improved in stages over several years. The opening of the Downstream Bridge and Western Bypass will include a comprehensive system of cycling and walking routes which will link National and Local networks across the River Taw to Braunton Road. This scheme will provide a new link from Braunton Road to the Pilton area of the town, which encompasses a Community College and three Primary Schools within close proximity. There is future potential to extend the network further by continuing this route through to the town centre via Pilton Park.

3. Proposal

The proposal is for a purpose built cycleway/footway link that begins on Braunton Road by the premises Hobart Manufacturing UK. The link passes through private land owned by Hobarts and then follows the southern edge of Pilton Community College grounds, to join with Abbey Road, near to Bluecoat Junior School and Pathfield School. The route will make provision for a dedicated link into Pilton Community College.

The scheme was included in the Devon Local Transport Plan programme, approved by the Executive in February 2004 and reported to North Devon HATOC in March 2004. The original route shown on drawing number EATS(N)85-07-00 joined Braunton Road to Fairview and was approved by North Devon HATOC in December 2004. Consultation with landowners and potential development at Pathfield School has influenced a revision of the route at the eastern end of the scheme. The revised scheme also includes street lighting along the route. This report seeks approval for the revised route that joins Braunton Road to Abbey Road.

Over much of the route the land is owned by Devon County Council. The initial section of the route passes through land owned by Hobart Manufacturing UK. This land will need to be acquired. The remainder of the route through Pilton Community College grounds is on land under the ownership of Devon County Council.

The scheme has been discussed with the schools and is supported by their School Travel Plans. This scheme supports the Barnstaple Transport Strategy and the design has been developed in consideration of other elements of the strategy, particularly parking and congestion issues in the vicinity.

4. Financial Considerations

The current year DLTP allowed a budget of 150,000 for this project. The full cost of the project is estimated at 215,000. External funding opportunities are being pursued through a possible Sustran's grant aimed at supporting schemes linking schools to the National Cycle Network. Planning permission and land purchase may need to be completed during the current financial year 2006/2007. It is proposed that the scheme will be constructed in 2007/2008.

5. Alternatives Considered

A range of options were considered in developing the proposal. This modified scheme is considered to best meet the strategic aims of the developing cycling and walking network in this part of Barnstaple and to balance directness, safety, cost and environmental impact.

6. Sustainability Considerations

By improving opportunities for walking and cycling this scheme will have a positive impact on sustainable travel patterns within the community.

7. Reasons for Reaching the Recommendation

By providing an extension to the cycle and walking network which builds on the towns current network there will be long term benefits for all highway users within Barnstaple.

It contributes to the overall transport strategy for the town and will contribute to a number of Local Transport Plan objectives, including School Travel Plans, the cycling and walking strategy, congestion strategy and will link to economic and tourism objectives.

Joe Deasy

County Electoral Division: Barnstaple North

District Council Ward: Pilton

List of Background Papers

Contact for enquiries: James Anstee

Tel No: 01271 388500

Background Paper Date (File Ref)

North Devon Highway and Traffic Order Committee 7 December 2004 (ED/04/63/LSO)

North Devon Highway and Traffic Order Committee 30 March 2004 (ED/04/20/LSO)

Executive Report, 24 February 2004 (ED/04/48/HQ)

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sn/dltp plan scheme

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