EEC/07/106/HQ
North Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee
27 March 2007
Devon Local Transport Plan Scheme for Formal Approval
Sheiling Road Cycle Footway Link
Report of the Area Engineer (North)
Please note that the following recommendation is subject to consideration and determination by the Committee before taking effect.
Recommendations: It is recommended that the scheme shown on drawing number EATS(N)317/2/1 be approved at a revised cost of 113,000.
1. Summary
The report seeks approval for a scheme which would provide a new link for cyclists and pedestrians from Roundswell and Bickington to the Tarka Trail.
2. Background
The Tarka Trail between Bideford and Barnstaple is part of the National Cycle Network and provides a safe off road route for cyclists and walkers. The Tarka Trail carries many hundreds of users each day for recreational, school travel and commuter journeys. There are few access points to nearby residential areas which means that many potential users find it difficult to join the Trail at places convenient to their homes.
In 2003 Devon County Council constructed a dedicated cycle footpath path alongside the B3233 between the communities of Bickington and Fremington. This path provided a link for both communities to access the Tarka Trail at Fremington Quay.
The large residential area at Roundswell has been developed with a comprehensive cycling and walking network. However, cyclists travelling to Fremington Quay and the Tarka Trail are required to join the busy B3233 through Bickington. This proposal will provide a new section of cycleway footway allowing cyclists from Roundswell to use quiet roads from the estate through Bickington and join an off road cyclepath to Fremington Quay.
Approval to proceed with the detailed design and seek planning permission for this scheme was given by the North Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee at their meeting of 22 June 2004. The original outline scheme proposal has now been amended to meet requirements from the planning process and from the Environment Agency. This report seeks approval for the revised scheme.
3. Proposals
It is proposed that a new cycle and walking path be constructed between Tews Lane and Sheiling Road as shown on the attached drawing No. EATS(N)317/2/1.
This path will complete an important missing link from the extensive Roundswell Cycle Network to the Tarka Trail. The new path will join existing residential roads and link to the off road cycle route from Bickington to Fremington Quay and the Tarka Trail. The link will also connect with Public Footpath No 17.
The path comprises a 2.5m wide shared use footway cycleway. The new path follows a route through agricultural land located to the rear of houses fronting onto Tews Lane and Sheiling Road. The revised scheme incorporates additional land, drainage, landscaping and accommodation works.
4. Financial Considerations
It is estimated that the full cost of design, land and works for the scheme will be 113,000. This estimate is based on current available rates and will be subject to inflation.
It is proposed that land will be purchased during the financial year 2007/08 at an estimated cost of 15,000. Budget provision to construct the proposed scheme will be sought from the Devon Local Transport Plan in a future programme. External funding opportunities are being pursued through a possible Sustrans grant.
5. Sustainability Considerations
By providing improved cycling and walking opportunities this scheme will have a positive sustainable impact on modal shift by promoting alternatives to the car.
6. Alternatives Considered
In recent years several detailed studies have been undertaken into the possibility of developing new cycling and walking links between the established cycle network and residential areas along the Tarka Trail and two alternatives were considered when developing this scheme proposal.
The first option considered at a route adjacent to the B3233. This option was not achievable due to land constraints. The other option was to use a section of private road linking Tews Lane to Sheiling Road. This option was investigated and consulted on in detail but not recommended on grounds of cost and legal difficulties.
This scheme is recommended as the one which is most cost effective and deliverable of the alternatives investigated and is a scheme which provides a safe and attractive route.
7. Reasons for Reaching the Recommendation
The objectives and strategies of the Devon Local Transport Plan aim to provide alternatives to car travel and reduce unnecessary car use as a contribution to improving Devon's environmental, social and economical well being.
By constructing this link opportunities will be provided for many more cyclists and walkers to access the Tarka Trail and make local journeys by sustainable means. This link will also provide access from residential areas to employment and shopping areas within Roundswell and will help support School Travel Plans and encourage the use of the already extensive cycle and walking network in the area.
Joe Deasy
County Electoral Division: Fremington
District Council Ward: Bickington and Roundswell
Local Government Act 1972
List of Background Papers
Contact for enquiries: James Anstee
Tel No: 01271 388500
| Background Paper | Date | File Ref. | |
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| 1. | North Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee, | 22nd June 2004 | (ED/04/36/LSO). |
| 2. | Executive Report | 24 February 2004 | (ED/04/48/HQ)
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