Funding lost
We are sad to announce that, despite the legal challenge to the path being thrown out of the High Court, Sustrans have had to reallocate the funds for the project elsewhere. The 5 year funding window in which the Connect2 lottery money has to be spent ends in December 2012 and is not flexible. The planning delays from Monmouthshire have meant that Sustrans have been forced to make this difficult decision. Monmouthshire planners have recently requested lots more information from Susrans. The provision of this information requires the input of many people from Monmouthshire CC and elsewhere and will take some time for Sustrans to provide.
Sustrans have said they remain fully committed to the path and will continue to push for planning permission. Wye Valley Communities for Safe Cycling also remain fully behind the plans and we aim to help in any way we can to raise funds for this valuable community resource.
If you would like to contact Monmouthshire regarding this please email planning@Monmouthshire.gov.uk, quoting planning reference number DC/2010/00783.
Plans were submitted on 23rd August 2010.
Plans have been submitted for a traffic-free path for families, walkers, cyclists, runners, mobility vehicles, wheelchair users and horse-riders by Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity.
The path will follow the disused 19th Century Wye Valley Railway line between Chepstow, Brockweir and Tintern.
The money that Sustrans has been given by the National Lottery for this project has to be spent in a limited timeframe, which means if the planning application is not successful they will have to spend it elsewhere.
At a time when local services are being cut it would be a great shame to lose this opportunity to invest in our local community.
We passionately support the project and invite you to do likewise.
Security
We've had some questions recently about security on the route. Sustrans take this very seriously and have published a document on the management and security of their paths. Click here to download it.
It is considered that the proposal is acceptable, will not cause any further harm to highway safety, car parking demands and protected species have been appropriately addressed, will promote tourism within the area, meets the aims of sustainable development and does not conflict with the aims and objectives of Policies (R)FBE.1, (R)FT.2 and (R)FNE.11 of the District Local Plan Review
Tony Pope
Forest of Dean District Council Planning Officer