Sustrans Cycle Path - Update

The Forest of Dean District Council development control (ie planning) committee met yesterday (10/6/08) to decide on this application.

Unfortunately, the planning officer had recommended refusal on three grounds and added a fourth* at a late stage, namely:

1. Roads at the southern end of the route (ie Netherhope & Bishton

Lanes) inadequate to cater for increased use.

2. Insufficient information supplied in bat & wildlife mitigation proposals.

3. Concerns about lack of consolidated parking provisions 4*. Substandard connection between cycle route & Bishton lane.

The full planning officer’s report is here:

http://planning.fdean.gov.uk/WAM/pas/findCaseFile.do?appNumber=P1597/07/FUL&action=Search

Development’)

This is obviously a disappointment for all those in support of a facility that would allow a safe, convenient traffic-free route into the lower Wye Valley. However, we were heartened to learn that many of the District Councillors on the committee are very supportive of this route in principle, and would support it if the above issues are resolved.

Therefore, it is likely that Sustrans will pursue this route in the future, once the dust has settled.

Personally, I would like to add a huge thank you to the many Harriers who so willingly and selflessly helped the recent Wye Valley Communites for Safe Cycling awareness campaign. Your efforts resulted in a very noticeable surge in public responses from the Chepstow community, which was duly noted. Almost 700 responses were received by the Forest of Dean and Monmouthshire Councils, with at least 576 (over 82%) in support.

Jeremy