Brand new plans have been unveiled this week for an extended cycle path running between Burnham-On-Sea and Berrow that could see a long-awaited path introduced the Coast Road.
It is proposed that the new path for pedestrians and cyclists will run between Unity farm and the Co-op in Berrow Road.
The plans from Greenways and Cycleroutes Limited include “the construction of a new path for pedestrians and cyclists to avoid the Coast Road.”
The proposals form part of an extended cycle path, a year after the opening of the first section of the Brean Way cycle path between Weston and Brean.
The organisation adds: “The project will reconstruct and repair the existing right of way to complete and overall route from Unity farm to the Co-op in Berrow Road.”
“There has long been a demand for a traffic free route over this section of busy road.”
“Berrow Parish Council have sought to create a path beside the Coast Road for over 20 years.”
“The 750m section between Hurn Lane and Berrow Church has no footway on either side, making this section of road all but impassable in high season.”
“In addition, the Coast Road is not particularly wide so equally there is no safe place for cyclists, particularly families and holidaymakers.”
“Greenways and Cycleroutes worked with the local councils and landowners to open up the Brean Down Way from Weston-Super-Mare to Brean. Following this, local Councillors encouraged us to consider extending further south to connect to Berrow and Burnham-On-Sea.”
“The opportunities for making a good quality and attractive route along this corridor are very limited. One can walk along the beach, and even cycle, but there are no continuous public rights of way running north or south, although there are 7 or 8 public paths running through to the beach.”
“The open land between the main roads is owned by just four parties, Unity Farm, Sedgemoor District Council at Berrow Dunes, Berrow Parish Council and the Burnham and Berrow Golf Club. A successful route utterly depends upon the support and goodwill of these local landowners.”
Comments are being welcome by Sedgemoor District Council on the application – which is reference number 05/18/00006 – until April 27th, 2018.
The map above shows the proposed route and work that’s needed: 1 Unity Farm section; 2. Through Berrow Dunes Nature Reserve to their car park to avoid narrow footway on road past Roughlands; 3. Clear back and widen existing footway as far as Hurn Lane; 4. New path alongside ditch on the boundary of the golf course; 5. Pick up old road past Berrow Church; 6. Rebuild existing track past Recreation Ground
