Originator: Dave Black Copy to: Councillor Alistair Dewhirst, Chairman of Corporate, Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee Councillors Martin Shaw, Ian Hall, and Ian Chubb Anjumn Kanani, James Anstee, Dave Black/Sandra Clarke/A/COM.CH (1946) Ann Heppell/Denise Travers - Finance Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment
Councillor Stuart Hughes County Hall 102 Temple Street Topsham Road Sidmouth Exeter Devon EX2 4QD EX10 9BJ Tel: (01392) 382822 Email: lucombehousebusinesssupport- [email protected] Fax: (01392) 381459
Ref: A/COM.CH (1946) 5 August 2019
Dear Councillor Hughes
Seaton to Colyford Multi-Use Walking and Cycling Path – East Devon District
I am writing to ask if you will make a decision in accordance with Paragraph 11 of the County Council’s Scheme of Delegation by approving the assembly of land via the use of compulsory purchase powers (and any necessary associated powers) in order to progress the construction of a multi-use walking and cycling path between Seaton and Colyford, and on to Axminster, see drawing C08055/610.
Sections of a route around Axminster and between Seaton and Colyford have already been constructed and are open to the public. Land negotiations have been ongoing for a while in an attempt to secure the land required to complete the section between Seaton and Colyford, however these negotiations have unfortunately not progressed as quickly as wished.
The Seaton to Colyford multi-use trail will offer a level and direct access to many tourist attractions in the east of Devon including local wetlands, the Jurassic Coast, Seaton Tramway and the Jurassic Coast visitor centre. Those more confident can continue to Axminster on quiet lanes where the path links cyclists directly to a mainline rail station.
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Textphone 0345 1551020 www.devon.gov.uk The development of the National Cycle Network in Devon has a successful track record in the creation of sustainable jobs and tangible improvements to the local economy. For example, along the Exe Estuary Trail businesses such as cycle hire, outdoor leisure activities, accommodation providers, cafes/pubs, farm shops, restaurants, and visitor attractions have all benefited economically. Increases in levels of cycling also delivers congestion relief and pollution benefits, and this route with its substantial traffic free sections will offer excellent opportunities for short utility and commuter trips. Several schools will be either adjacent or within a very short distance of the path, offering healthy and sustainable travel opportunities for journeys to school.
The design and land assembly work can be supported within the Local Transport Plan budget and I will write to you again prior to any construction, subject to the confirmation of funding.
To summarise, this decision will help to support the assembly of the route and allow the Seaton to Colyford multi-use path scheme to progress.
Please find enclosed two copies of the Cabinet Member Decision form, to enable you to formally advise me of your decision and in so doing confirm that the entry in the ‘interests’ box is accurate or amend it accordingly. I would be pleased if you could advise me of your decision as soon as possible by returning one copy of the decision form in the enclosed pre-paid envelope.
If you require any further information, please contact Anjumn Kanani by telephoning (01392) 383000 or e-mailing [email protected].
In accordance with procedures a copy of this letter has been sent to Councillor Alastair Dewhirst as Chairman of Corporate, Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee and to Councillors Martin Shaw (Seaton and Colyton), Ian Hall (Axminster) and Ian Chubb (Whimple and Blackdown).
No action will be taken until all Members of the County Council have been advised of your decision and five working days have elapsed to enable Members to request that the decision be referred to the full Cabinet for consideration or called in by Corporate, Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee for consideration.
Yours sincerely
Dave Black Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment
Enclosed: Record of Decision x 2 Pre-paid envelope Plan
Textphone 0345 1551020 www.devon.gov.uk