Posted on: 13 March 2019

Devon County Council's Cabinet has agreed to progress plans for the next phase of the Teign Estuary Trail between Passage House Inn and Teignmouth.

Councillors supported a recommendation to proceed with a planning application for the proposed section of the multi-use trail.

It follows Teignbridge District Council's decision last week to commit a £200,000 contribution towards the cost of preparing and submitting the application.

The development of this part of the trail would be divided into two sections:

– From Passage House Inn to Bishopsteignton, where the majority of this route runs inland of the railway;

– From Church Road in Bishopsteignton to the junction of Newfoundland Road and Morrisons in Teignmouth, using old sections of road to the north of the A381.

Cabinet members also supported a strategy to complete gaps in the trail between Passage House Inn and Dawlish. The trail would be accessible for walkers, cyclists, mobility scooter and wheelchair users.

Councillor Stuart Hughes

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: "The Teign Estuary Trail has always been a key part of the County Council's cycling strategy and completing the route would fill the current gap on the multi-use trail between Passage House Inn and Dawlish. At Dawlish, the route would connect to the Exe Estuary Trail, providing a high standard route to Exmouth via Exeter.

"We have seen Teignbridge commit funding to go towards the preparation of a planning application and we welcome their support. Further developing this route will provide substantial economic, health and environmental benefits in the area."

Councillor Ron Peart

Councillor Ron Peart, Devon County Councillor for Kingsteignton and Teign Estuary, said: "I'm extremely pleased that Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council have made this commitment to progress with surveys, scheme design and planning for the trail. This is definitely a step in the right direction which will be welcomed by the many local people who support this project."

Councillor Philip Bullivant, Teignbridge District Council's Executive Member for Recreation and Leisure, said: "We welcome this support from Devon County Council, which builds on Teignbridge's Executive decision last week to approve £200,000 funding towards planning application preparations. This expansion of the cycle path provision in Teignbridge, linking Newton Abbot to Teignmouth, will be a major step forward in promoting a healthier lifestyle for our residents and opens up a wonderful route along the Teign Estuary.

"The recent Local Plan review consultation highlighted strong local demand for the route and in response we are making this route a priority. We look forward to seeing the project delivered as soon as possible."

The first section of the Teign Estuary Trail between Kingsteignton and Town Quay, in Newton Abbot, opened in 2013, with another stretch between Newton Abbot Racecourse and Passage House Inn opening last April.

From Passage House Inn to Teignmouth, design work and preparation of the planning application will continue, while initial investigations suggest that the section through Teignmouth town centre needs further exploration when suitable funding is available.

A route has been identified for the section between Teignmouth and Holcombe, most of which could be delivered as permitted development without the need for planning permission, if funding can be secured. However, there are ongoing discussions with Network Rail on the potential to provide facilities on this section.