Consultation on Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for Barnstaple, Bideford and Northam

A public consultation has been launched by Devon County Council today (Wednesday 21 September) on proposals that aim to close the gaps in the cycling and walking network in the Barnstaple, Bideford and Northam area.

The County Council is seeking views on four walking and six cycling schemes across the area, which are detailed online at devon.cc/bbnlcwip.

The draft “Barnstaple with Bideford and Northam Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan” (BBN LCWIP) outlines a number of potential walking and cycling schemes for future investment over the next 10-20 years.

Proposals include:

- Development of a 3.5 mile route between Appledore and Bideford via Northam;

- A new link from west of Bideford and East-the-Water to Bideford town centre to improve access to the Tarka Trail;

- A new off-road connection between Landkey and Newport to access local schools and Barnstaple town centre;

- Connections from Whiddon Valley to Barnstaple to link new developments to the east of Barnstaple to the town centre;

- Creation of new links between Yelland, Fremington, Bickington, Roundswell and Sticklepath, increasing access points to the Tarka Trail but also creating direct alternatives;

- Providing more space for pedestrians in Westward Ho! and Bideford, as well as improving crossing points for people with wheelchairs or mobility scooters;

- Improving crossings in Barbican Road, Queen Street and Alexandra Street in Barnstaple to create safer access to the town centre.

The plan also sets out proposals to upgrade existing cycling infrastructure to improve connections to key employments sites including North Devon District Hospital, PETROC, Barnstaple town centre and Roundswell, including the development of an off-road cycle route along the entire length of North Road.

Proposals for a new access point to the Tarka Trail from Ethelwynne Brown Close will also be explored.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, said: “This consultation is a good opportunity for people to have a look at the draft plan and provide us with their feedback. The proposals being put forward are for routes which are most likely to attract the most frequent use, with direct and quiet routes to town centres as well as better links to leisure trails.

“The plan can be used to support future funding bids for improvements which will help encourage more people to walk and cycle more often for regular local journeys to local businesses, schools and colleges, as well as leisure trips. It’s good for health and the environment as we look to reduce carbon emissions, and it also helps the local economy as better infrastructure can boost tourism.”

The draft plan follows the Department for Transport’s LCWIP framework which forms a vital part of the government’s strategy to increase the number of trips made on foot or by cycle.

The questionnaire to provide comments on the proposed schemes can be completed online at devon.cc/bbnlcwip until Wednesday 12 October, when the consultation closes. The consultation report summarising the questionnaire results will be available later this year.

If you require more information, a paper copy of the questionnaire, or are unable to access the internet please email transportplanning@devon.gov.uk.  Alternatively write to Devon County Council, Highway Development Management, Taw View, North Walk, Barnstaple, EX31 1EE or call 01392 38 3000 and ask for Katalin Fulop (between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday).

A paper copy of the draft report will also be available at reception at Barnstaple, Bideford, Appledore and Northam libraries.