PLANNERS in the Forest of Dean have rejected a plan, put forward by cycling charity Sustrans, to construct a cycle path through the heart of the Wye Valley. The planning officer had recommended refusal on three grounds and added a fourth at a late stage, namely: Roads at the southern end of the route (ie Netherhope and Bishton Lanes) inadequate to cater for increased use. Insufficient information supplied in bat & wildlife mitigation proposals. Concerns about lack of consolidated parking provisions. Annette Baker, one of the many people campaigning for the cycle route, said "I had already had notification of this and am sorry that such a backward looking decision has been made. "Our future lies in finding ways of moving around which do not involve oil - and making sure that people have safe, off road routes to walk or cycle is essential. I will continue to lend my support to this project". Sustrans regional negotiator, Ruper Crosbee, said "It's a disappointing result, but we remain confident we can address the councillors' concerns. "Linking Brockweir to Tintern will make it easier for people to peacefully walk and cycle through this beautiful area, providing better access to an area of outstanding natural beauty for local people and visitors". The Council's planning officer Tony Pope, had recommended refusal due to concerns about the possible impact on roads in the Tidenham area, wildlife mitigation proposals and parking provision. Rousing encouragement for acceptance was given by the Wye Valley Communities for Safe Cycling (WVCSC) representative. In debate, many planning committee members openly stated their enthusiastic support for the Railway path as a facility that would greatly benefit the local community. However, the committee felt they were unable to offer it their full support until the stated concerns had been fully resolved. The decision goes against a tide of public support for the path. The Forest of Dean District and Monmouthshire County Councils have received almost 700 responses to the planning application, of which 576 (over 82%) have been in support. In response to the decision, Paul Christie WVCSC co-chair, commented "This is obviously a disappointment for all those in support of a facility that would allow a safe, convenient traffic-free route between the communities of the lower Wye Valley. Please be assured that we are not yet ready to give up and that WVCSC will actively continue to campaign for the development of important, non- motorised local links in our valley."
