Work continues on Teign Estuary Trail proposals

A planning application could be submitted in the summer for a section of the Teign Estuary Trail from Kingsteignton to Bishopsteignton.

Early discussions have been held between Devon County Council and landowners along the 2.5 mile section of the route and, subject to satisfactory negotiations, the County Council is planning to put forward proposals next year.

Work is underway on preliminary designs and site visits will be arranged in the coming months.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, said: “We have set ourselves an ambitious target to submit a planning application but we are keen for momentum to be maintained. The will of the community is behind this scheme, landowners have shown they are supportive of it, and the County Council remains committed to it. Hopefully by working together we will achieve a scheme which has the backing of everyone.”

Councillor George Gribble, local County Councillor for Bovey Tracey Rural, said: “I fully support this scheme and we are doing all we can to ensure this trail progresses in the right direction.”

Councillor Chris Clarance, local County Councillor for the Teign Estuary, said: “These are encouraging developments and we all want to see this route developed. Local members will be keen to see progress being made by the time we receive a further briefing in the Spring.”

Councillor Tony Dempster, local County Councillor for Kingsteignton, said: “This is another positive step forward in making this scheme become a reality. I’m pleased that early discussions with landowners have gone well – long may it continue.”

The main alignment of the Teign Estuary Trail was approved by the County Council’s Cabinet in February 2013. The section from Kingsteignton to Bishopsteignton, which will follow the rail line where possible, is estimated to cost around £4.2 million.

The first section of the route, between Newton Abbot and Kingsteignton, was completed in 2013.

The County Council is also exploring the route from Bishopsteignton to Teignmouth town centre and onto Dawlish, where there are still a number of potential route options. Options will be considered along with recommendations from Sustrans regarding routes between Dawlish and Teignmouth.

Councillors will meet again in the spring to discuss progress on the Trail.