Planning application submitted for next section of Teign Estuary Trail

A planning application has been submitted for the next phase of the Teign Estuary Trail.

Devon County Council has been supported by Teignbridge District Council in preparing the proposals to develop a 5km section of multi-use trail between Passage House Inn in Newton Abbot and the A381 at La Roche Maurice Walk, east of Bishopsteignton.

The Trail will also include a shared-use path connecting from the A381 to the junction near Morrisons supermarket, at the western edge of Teignmouth. However further design work is being undertaken on this link which does not require planning permission.

A consultation about the proposals at the end of last year attracted more than 3,000 responses, with 92% of those who responded supporting the proposed route for the latest section.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, said: “This is another important step in the development of the Teign Estuary Trail, which will have a positive impact on the economy and environment of the local area as well as benefiting local people’s health and wellbeing. We’ve seen that the majority of the public who responded to last year’s consultation supported the route and we’re keen to progress this next 5km of the route.”

Councillor Ron Peart, Devon County Councillor for Kingsteignton and Teign Estuary, said: “This is great news that this project is moving forward. I have many residents who contact me in support of the Teign Estuary Trail and the many benefits this will bring to the health of residents, the environment and the local economy. The next step is to gain planning permission; this will help in obtaining funding for this much needed project.”

Teignbridge Executive Member for Planning, Councillor Gary Taylor said: “The consultation showed there was virtually universal support for extending the Teign Estuary Trail and I am delighted that progress is being made with the submission of this planning application. The Trail is an important development for safer cycling travel as well as for leisure pursuits and I hope that the planning process is completed swiftly so work can get underway once funding is secured. Teignbridge District Council, in collaboration with Devon County Council, will now be preparing an Outline Business Case for the Trail to support any future funding application.”

The Teign Estuary Trail is being developed in sections as funding opportunities become available. The initial section between Kingsteignton and Town Quay, in Newton Abbot, opened in 2013.

The results from last year’s consultation can be found on the Teign Estuary Trail webpage.