Teign Estuary Trail plans progressing

Devon County Council is moving forward in planning the next section of the Teign Estuary Trail.

Detailed design for the 2.5 mile section from Kingsteignton to Bishopsteignton is now progressing in parallel with work towards the purchase of land along the identified route. This section, which will follow the rail line where possible, is expected to cost around £4.2 million.

The County Council is also exploring the route from Bishopsteignton to Teignmouth town centre and onto Dawlish, where there are still a number of potential route options. Options will be considered along with recommendations from Sustrans regarding routes between Dawlish and Teignmouth.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “We have always stated that we are committed to this route and this is another positive development.

There are always considerable challenges to delivering a scheme of this nature; achieving the route is subject to us being able to secure sufficient external funds, and liaison with the local community at Bishopsteignton, Teignmouth and Dawlish will also form a key part of the project. We have always made it clear that the County Council is happy to discuss viable route options with landowners and statutory agencies for the remainder of the trail and we hope that the whole community continues to work with us.”

Councillor Chris Clarance, Devon County Councillor for the Teign Estuary, said: “Early indications are that as the costs of the route from Bishopsteignton to Teignmouth would be substantial, the Cabinet asked for further possible options with a view to saving costs and these will now be looked at.”

Councillor Richard Younger-Ross, Devon County Councillor for Teignmouth, said: “I welcome the progress being made to bring about this trail. It is slow progress but this is a positive step forward.”

Councillor George Gribble, Devon County Councillor for Bovey Tracey, said: “I’m encouraged to see that we’ve found a positive way forward. It’s a huge project and certainly not an easy task, by any means, but I’m pleased we’re getting somewhere.”

The main alignment of the Trail route was approved by the County Council’s Cabinet in February 2013, and the first stage of the route between Newton Abbot and Kingsteignton was completed last year.

Developing the Teign Estuary Trail would also link to an emerging network of routes centred on Newton Abbot, which would connect Newton Abbot to Bovey Tracey and Moretonhampstead as well as to Kingskerswell and Torbay, which are set to be built by 2015/16.