Plans to be submitted for Sidbury to Sidford walking and cycling trail

A planning application for a proposed walking and cycling trail from Sidbury to Sidford will shortly be submitted by Devon County Council.

The scheme includes a 1km surfaced walkway and cycleway running between Laundry Lane in Sidford and the southern boundary of Sidbury. The trail runs along agricultural land on the Eastern side of the A375 and then passes onto boardwalk through woodland at Sidbury.

The route has been chosen following public exhibitions in Sidbury and Sidford in February 2014, as well as consultation with affected parties and a presentation to Sidmouth College. Different route options were displayed at the exhibitions and members of the public had the opportunity to comment on the proposals, which has helped produce the preferred route.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet member for Highway Management and local member for Sidmouth and Sidford, said: “The feedback from the consultations showed there is strong support for an improved walkway and cycleway and this scheme will improve safety for walkers and cyclists that currently use the A375. The first section of the route from The Byes to Brook Lane in Sidford will connect to the college link from the Byes, providing a safer route for young people cycling or walking to college. With the addition of an upgraded crossing of the A3052 and improvements on Laundry Lane, it will also provide a much better link to the existing cycleway and walkway from Sidmouth, through The Byes.”

Councillor Claire Wright, Devon County Councillor for Ottery St Mary Rural, said: “The road between Sidford and Sidbury can be treacherous for walkers and cyclists and the cycle route will provide a safe route for parents taking their children to and from school, as well as providing a lovely recreational facility.  I know local people are really keen for this scheme to be progressed so it is excellent news that a planning application is about to be submitted.”

The first part of the route from The Byes to Brook Lane in Sidford does not need planning permission and the County Council is aiming to have funds in place to start work on this section in the next financial year (2016/17). The authority is still working on identifying full funding for the rest of the scheme.

Following the submission and validation of the planning application it will be available for viewing on the planning pages of the County Council website  https://new.devon.gov.uk/planning/ Representations on the planning application can be made online.