Meeting documents

EEC/10/194/HQ

North Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee

26 October 2010

Scheme for Formal Approval Cleave Point to Tarka Trail off Road Cycleway, Barnstaple

Report of the Area Engineer (North)

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

Recommendations: It is recommended that:

(a) the scheme shown on drawing number EATS(N) 411/04/00 be approved at an estimated cost of 120,000;

(b) planning application be made in respect of the scheme as a County Matter.

1. Summary

The report seeks approval for a new cycleway footway scheme at Cleave Point, Sticklepath Barnstaple. The scheme will provide a link to the National Cycle Network Tarka Trail from the A3125 Sticklepath Hill.

2. Background

The Barnstaple area 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 Cleave Point to the north of Sticklepath Hill development released an area of land as public open space between Cleave Road and the Tarka Trail. As part of the planning consent 24,500 was obtained as a Section 106 contribution to the construction of a cycleway/footway scheme which would link the development to the Tarka Trail a means of providing sustainable transport links for the development and the residential areas of Sticklepath and Roundswell/Bickington.

Access to the Tarka Trail is currently gained by use of a cyclepath adjacent to the Barnstaple Western bypass or via Fremington Quay some 3 km to the west. The proposed link provides a footpath and cyclepath which links the trail to a network of quiet streets which form a walking and cycle link from Sticklepath Hill to Bickington. The segregated route would be attractive to leisure cyclists, particularly those who are inexperienced or are cycling with children. The scheme also links to Petroc (formally North Devon College) which is an education site with more than 3,000 students via the recently installed Toucan crossing on Sticklepath Hill and provides a more direct access to the college from the trail.

3. The 'Finding New Solutions' Leisure Cycling Project

Barnstaple has been identified as one of Devon's five 'cycling hub' towns (along with Exeter, Newton Abbot, Tavistock and Exmouth) where a 2m government grant has been awarded to the County Council to investigate the link between a positive leisure cycling experience and the uptake of everyday cycling.

4. Proposal

The scheme comprises approximately 95 metres of 3 metres wide bituminous macadam shared cycle/footway over public open space associated with the development at Cleave Point as shown on drawing number EATS(N) 411-04-00.

5. Financial Considerations

The estimated cost of the scheme is 120,000.

21,770 available from S106 developer contributions and 98,230 is required from the 'Finding New Solutions' government grant which is available until March 2011.

Currently the Finding New Solutions Grant has been fully allocated to other schemes however there is a strong likelihood that there will be slippage in the programme which will enable this cycleway to be constructed this financial year. Should funds not be available from the Grant then the scheme will be considered for inclusion in future works programmes.

6. Alternatives Considered

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

7. Sustainability Considerations

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

8. Equality Considerations

There are no equality implications to be considered.

9. Carbon Impact Considerations

Developing cycling is a key aspect of Devon's drive to reduce carbon emissions. Increasing the number of journeys by bike will have a positive effect upon climate change.

10. Legal Considerations

Agreement from North Devon Council which is the owner of the public open space will be required to construct the scheme and negotiations are ongoing. There are no other legal considerations at this time.

11. Reasons for Reaching the Recommendation

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

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

Joe Deasy

County Electoral Division: Barnstaple South

District Council Ward: Longbridge

Local Government Act 1972: List of Background Papers

Contact for enquiries: Joe Deasy

Tel No: 01271 388582

Background Paper Date File Ref

None

rd300910nda

sc/cleave point-tarka trail

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