Board3b/2008 November 26 Item 7 Stop Line Way Appendix A

Appendix A
DOCUMENT PURPOSE
This document forms an appendix to the Executive Paper titled Stop Line Way.
This appendix provides a brief overview of the proposed route of the Stop Line Way
(formerly Wessex Cycle Route.
Further Information
Contact David Mitchell
Cycling Officer
Somerset County Council
dmitchell@somerset.gov.uk
01823 356789
Stop Line Way (NCN 33)
Weston Super Mare
LEGEND
NCN 33 Proposed Route Brean

NCN 33 Existing Route
NCN 3 Existing Route Burnham and Highbridge

NCN 3 Proposed Route
Bawdrip
Bridgwater
Taunton
Ilminster
Chard
Tatworth
Chard Junction
Stop Line Way would link into NCN 3

Provide a mix of on and off-road provision
Link popular existing sections
Total route length of NCN 33 in Somerset:
95km approx
Length of new route to be provided 64km
(approx)
Seaton
Details This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material
with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of
Stop Line Way Summary Report Appendix A Strategic Planning the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office
Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes
County Hall Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil
Taunton proceedings. (Somerset County Council)(100023366)(2008)
TA1 4DY
Scale Date
Drawn by dmitchell@somerset.gov.uk
D P Mitchell not to scale 17/11/2008
Map 1 - Weston Super Mare to Bridgwater
LEGEND
NCN 33 Proposed
NCN 33 Existing
Axe Crossing

NCN 3 Proposed
NCN 3 Existing
Bawdrip
Express Park Link

TA1 4DY
Scale Date
Map 2 - Bridgwater to Ilminster
Expres Park Link
LEGEND

Taunton & Bridgwater Canal

- popular leisure route and
commuter link.
Ruishton Link

TA1 4DY
Scale Date
Map 3 - Ilminster to Somerset Border
LEGEND

Peasmarsh
Chard to Chard Jct

TA1 4DY
Scale Date
Axe Crossing, Brean
The opening up of an Environment Agency (EA) sluice to the public as a river
crossing will create a direct, off-road link between Brean and Weston Super
Mare. Currently cyclists and walkers must follow a circuitous on road route
along roads which become very busy during the summer months. Delivery of
this route could considerably improve sustainable travel between Brean and
Weston both for staff travelling between the two areas for low-paid seasonal
work and for holidaymakers wishing to access Weston without taking the car.
To access the sluice landowner consent would be required across Diamond

Farm Caravan Park; then landowner has indicated that a condition of this
would be to improve pedestrian facilities on Weston Road leading to the
seafront at Brean. SCC would consider delivering pedestrian and cycling
friendly infrastructure improvements along Weston Road in Brean as well as a
contribution to making the EA sluice suitable for public access. North
Somerset Council has already provided a path north of the sluice into Weston
and would contribute to works on the EA sluice.
Axe Crossing ,Brean
LEGEND
Use of EA sluice to cross river


TA1 4DY
Scale Date
Bridgwater to Express Park
This route would create an off-road route which would allow local residents to
avoid the narrow and busy A38 north of Bridgwater opening up a safe walking
and cycling route to employment sites such as Express Park. As part of the
Stop Line Way the section creates a route into the heart of Bridgwater and
would be an alternative to the more rural Bawdrip and Cossington section
once a route through to Highbridge is instituted.
Express Park Link - Bridgwater
LEGEND

Example of current riverside path

TA1 4DY
Scale Date
Route blockage at Bawdrip, Bawdrip
A railway path route between Bawdrip and Cossington has been closed due
to a landowner dispute for several years but SCC and Sustrans are working
together to construct a route diversion. It is envisaged this will be constructed
in early 2009. This section of route will form an important part of the Stop Line
way as well as reinstating a link between settlements separated by the A39.
This will form the initial north / south route between Highbridge and
Bridgwater with an additional link to the west alongside the River Parrett to be
developed in the longer term.
Bawdrip Route Blockage,Bawdrip
LEGEND

Route Blockage

TA1 4DY
Scale Date
Ruishton Link, West Monkton and Ruishton
This link would provide an off-road route from the village of Ruishton all the
way to the centre of Taunton. The link would remove the need for cyclists to
cross, at-grade, Junction 25 of the M5. This will ensure the Stop Line way
remains an attractive family friendly route but also provide a convenient
commuter link for Ruishton residents who work or study in Taunton.
This section of route has been included as part of a larger scheme put forward
in the recent Regional Funding Allocation expression of interest.
Ruishton Link , West Monkton and Ruishton
LEGEND


TA1 4DY
Scale Date
Peasmarsh, Donyatt
A section of stopped up highway running adjacent to Peasmarsh Farm forms
a key link along the popular Chard to Ilminster route along the disused
railway.
Unfortunately, due to a cyclist accident on this section, it has become evident

that no cycling rights exist on a short section. This has serious liability
consequences for Somerset County Council, as the landowner, should
another accident occur.
To resolve this issue SCC Rights of Way is undertaking a package of

measures to formalise the situation. The first of which is to reduce the width of
the existing footpath (this is necessary from a land management and
maintenance point of view). This must be resolved prior to the creation
agreement for a public bridleway being processed.
An objection to the proposal being lodged by South Somerset District Council.

If the objection cannot be resolved the route will continue to have an
undefined legal status and potentially leave SCC liable if an accident should
occur on the route.
It is essential that this issue is resolved to deliver the Stop Line Way but also
to ensure the popular Chard to Ilminster railway path can continue to operate
as an attractive, safe, primarily off-road link between the two settlements.
In addition, once this section is formalised and proper legal rights secured
further bridleway creation to the north of Ilminster which could provide a safe
crossing point under the A303 may be considered.
Peasmarsh, Donyatt
LEGEND


TA1 4DY
Scale Date
Chard to Chard Junction, Chard, Tatworth and Forton
There are two main options for this section.

Railway Route
Primarily off-road following route of disused railway.
The railway is now in private ownership so
Bridleway Creation Order may need to be used to
achieve this section.
Community Route
Primarily on-road route.
Further work to be undertaken investigating all
options.
LEGEND

TA1 4DY
Scale Date
Chard to Chard Junction, Chard, Tatworth and Forton
This section will link to the existing Chard to Ilminster railway path and could
provide a primarily off-road route from the Dorset Border to north of Ilminster
offering access for all non-motorised users if the route can be secured as a
bridleway. Two route options are being investigated for this section, a route
using quiet country roads, The Community Route, and a route using the
disused railway line, The Railway Route.
Community Route:
This route, primarily using quiet country roads, would require minimal
infrastructure works but could prove to be unattractive to potential route users
due to the narrow winding roads and perception that it may be unsuitable for
some users.
Railway Route:
The route along the railway line accords most closely with the aspirations of
the project but to deliver the section along the disused railway track it will be
necessary to use the Bridleway Creation Order process as not all landowners
support the scheme. This is preferred to the Cycle Tracks Act as a bridleway
provides for access by all non-motorised users. Bridleway creation also
accords with the policy within the Rights of Way Improvement Plan that
wherever possible, routes will be accessible to equestrians, cyclists, walkers
and those with visual and mobility impairments. Due to the probability of
objections, a Public Inquiry is very likely. The process of the Inquiry will
create legal and public consultation costs and a successful outcome for the
development of the Chard Junction to Chard section will result in land
compensation costs.
Precise costs estimates will be principally dependent on the level of legal

costs for the Inquiry and land compensation costs. These vary depending on
whether the Inquiry can be serviced entirely by SCCs legal services or
whether external legal counsel is required. There would also be a significant
amount of officer time required if SCC is to service the preparation and
carrying out of a Public Inquiry and negotiating land compensation costs.
Commitment to this course of action should be contingent upon SSDC
committing to financially support the construction of this section of the route
once the Order is made.

Board3b/2008 November 26 Item 7 Stop Line Way Appendix A

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Board3b/2008 November 26 Item 7 Stop Line Way Appendix A

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Appendix A

Weston Super Mare

NCN 3 Existing Route Burnham and Highbridge

Stop Line Way would link into NCN 3

Express Park Link

NCN 3 Existing Route

NCN 3 Proposed Route

Taunton & Bridgwater Canal

Details This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material

Chard to Chard Jct

Details This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material

To access the sluice landowner consent would be required across Diamond

Details This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material

Example of current riverside path

Details This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material

Details This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material

Details This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material

Unfortunately, due to a cyclist accident on this section, it has become evident

To resolve this issue SCC Rights of Way is undertaking a package of

An objection to the proposal being lodged by South Somerset District Council.

Details This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material

There are two main options for this section.

Details This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material

Precise costs estimates will be principally dependent on the level of legal

You might also like