Plans to extend a popular Plymstock off-road walking and cycling path have now been submitted to planners.
The application is to extend the route along the old railway line from a recently-built section of path back to Elburton Road by opening up an old blocked off rail bridge under Colesdown Hill.
The attractive traffic free route will be accessible to walkers, cyclists, mobility scooters and parents with pushchairs. The proposal also includes lighting and a crossing of the quarry access road to ensure that the path is safe and convenient for all users. The path will also connect into a planned crossing on Elburton Road which is currently being designed.
The project follows the completion of an 800-metre stretch along the old railway line from Saltram Meadow roundabout to Colesdown Hill last year. This is part of a three km route which has been completed in phases, as funding has allowed, since the opening of Laira Rail Bridge in 2015 to walkers and cyclists.
Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Transport and Infrastructure, said: "This is a hugely popular route for walkers and cyclists and we have made a long term commitment to keep extending this further east into Plymstock and towards Sherford.
“It’s a very attractive and safe route which makes it ideal for families and children to become more confident with cycling.
“We are unblocking a short tunnel that was filled in decades ago which will be a challenge, but doing this will open up a much wider network of traffic free paths and if we want more people to go on foot and by bike we need to keep on with our push to create routes that offer pleasant alternatives to busy roads.
“With 30 per cent of our carbon emissions coming from transport, we need to do our bit to encourage walking and cycling for all abilities.”
The scheme is estimated to cost £2,800,000 with funding awarded by Active Travel and other external funders. The business case and funding for the scheme was approved last year and as the scheme is externally funded, will not be a burden on the council’s resources.
The planning application can be viewed at https://planning.plymouth.gov.uk/online-applications reference 24/00225/FUL
If all goes according to plan, work could start in the autumn.