Plan for 15k cycle track through Plymouth beauty spot is postponed again
A CONSERVATION charity proposing a highly controversial bike and cycle track and cafe has postponed submitting a planning application for a second time.
The National Trust yesterday confirmed it will not be submitting its plan for a café and 15km of cycle trails at the Plymbridge Woods beauty spot by the end of May.
A spokesman for the trust said the charity has not been able to complete the necessary work to submit the planning application "due to the complexity of the many issues the site presents".
"A number of key opportunities have been explored but each brings with it a new set of associated issues to resolve," the spokesman added.
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The National Trust has now said a planning application will be submitted later this year.
The original planning application was withdrawn in October last year, following the discovery of a legal issue surrounding the proposed site of the café and cycle hub facilities.
The plan had been met with fierce opposition by people living close to the site, as well as strong support from bike campaigners.
More than 800 letters were sent to Plymouth City Council for and against the original plan.
More recently the trust had proposed incorporating some of the cycle trails within Cann Woods as well as Plymbridge Woods.
Adrian Colston, the National Trust's general manager for Dartmoor, said: "We have been faced with many challenges throughout development of this proposal and coming up with viable and an achievable solution has proven extremely difficult.
"The National Trust needs to reach a solution that is best for the long-term future of Plymbridge Woods and the many people that enjoy and value the area."
The National Trust emphasised the views of those both supporting and opposing the project are being taken into account and 'considered fully'.
Arthur Ainslie, chairman of The Friends of Plymbridge Woods group, has now called a meeting for Tuesday June 12 to "gauge opinion" and to determine whether the campaigners "continue the battle".
"We need to gauge the strength of feeling," Mr Ainslie said.
"What they [The National Trust] are now proposing is quite different and they might have now satisfied many people.
"We need to get people together to determine how they feel and whether we should continue the battle."
The meeting will be staged at Mainstone Community Centre from 7.30pm.
To keep up to date with progress on the cycle hub proposal and to view documents from the Plym Valley Advisory Group meetings, visit www.facebook.com/nationaltrustplymvalley.
To be added to the distribution list for the Plym Valley newsletter email plymvalley@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01752 341377.
Comments
by sadperson
Monday, June 04 2012, 6:07PM
“Someone should have been there when this photo was taken. One quick shove and he'd have been straight in the drink. Now that would have been hilarious.”
by French_Badger
Monday, June 04 2012, 5:58PM
“finnibobs, straight inthere on the moral high horse! Do you have a riding permit for this part of the wood? ;) Mostly there are opinons on here: I can only count one 'wrong' (as in factually inaccurate) statement on here so far (unless you count your own use of the words "any of you" -over half the coments on here make no opinions or points that are either upheld or disproved by the various plans and minutes in existence.)
Also, did the Herald just do one photoshoot with Mr Ainslie which they keep reusing (i really wouldn't be suprised!), or does the poor man only have the one jumper? They/he should do a calendar. :D”
by Arfurmo
Sunday, June 03 2012, 9:30AM
“Marc 1964
You've forgotten two important issues that the council have to consider carefully
1. Are they able to get ta return for the £70,000 spent on the spy camera car following the trail and cathing those speeding.
2. The wringing of hands on finding there are no penalties for parking or fines at dropping off points.
" It's a more than inconsiderate world we live in . when they confine all healthy activities to selfish argument and the scrap heap.”
by finnibobs
Saturday, June 02 2012, 12:01AM
“I really don't think any of you have really read the plans correctly or fully. None of your comments match up with the NT's Newsletter. I think maybe you should all read it fully and then look at your comments.”
by PlymCyclist
Friday, June 01 2012, 12:33PM
“when Plymouth gets awarded things like this http://tinyurl.com/dyorb3v would it not be a great thing to build on?”
by swshaun
Thursday, May 31 2012, 11:28PM
“Right, lets look into this a bit; DrRox did not blame FOPW for his/her unfortunate accident with a MTB. The point they were trying to put across (and correct me if im wrong DrRoX) is that FOPW have shot themselves in the foot. If they wernt so hell bent on blocking the proposed plans 100% then their would be a purpose built track for cyclists only in the woods, with some areas where there is mixed walking/cycling. At the moment it is a free for all. There for you never know what to expect. There are currently areas of PBW where you cannot cycle. If these plans are permitted then there will be areas where you cannot walk, therfore conflict is kept to a minimum.
As for the 'they cannot control their speed now' comment, what a pointless argument.”
by marc1964
Thursday, May 31 2012, 9:04PM
“Of course they have posponed it they have looked at the route and there are no pavements to ride on , no trafic lights to ignore an no people to ignore .”
by finnibobs
Thursday, May 31 2012, 8:47PM
“How can you blame FOPW because a cyclist knocked you over!?! Dr Nox is trying to say that if they had a MBT then it wouldn't have happened!! I think that is a weird logic! if they can't control their speed now, how on earth will they control it with blue trails! We share the tracks now and they are just level. Does he think they will slow down because a MBT is installed?!?! I don't think so !!!”
by DrRox
Thursday, May 31 2012, 5:50PM
“It's clear to all that the NT do not have the capacity or will to push this through now. All these very few NIMBYS have achieved now is to encourage more chaotic and dangerous use of the trails below Mainstone. Only last week I was jogging in that very area that the NT had designated for the cycle path and I was run over by a MTB bombing out a deer track! This resulted in 9 stitches to my leg and a 3 hour wait at Derriford! Also there will be a lot more erosion on the main path!
So in essence, and rather perversely, these few NIMBYS have only succeeded in creating a much bigger problem, and one that will only increase! Thanks FOPW!! Well done....
All I can say is for genuine cyclists is to travel if you can the 40 miles to Haldon Forest Park and invest in an organisation and a greater city area that has excellent commercial vision and a clear environmental plan.
Finally I am now cancelling my NT membership and advising several of my friends and family to do the same.”
by noxbox
Thursday, May 31 2012, 2:41PM
“It's ok for him to push that tree over though!”