LHC Design have submitted planning proposals for a new green pedestrian and cycle link through the Clennon Valley in Paignton.
The Clennon Valley Green Link is part of a wider strategy to improve sustainable transport links across Torbay and help people to connect with nature and use active transport to safely travel within Torbay, and connect with wider sustainable transport routes.
The proposal will create a shared, mile-long off road route for pedestrians and cyclists from residential areas along Brixham Road; the South Devon College campus and adjacent employment areas, and holiday parks towards Torbay Leisure Centre & Velopark, Goodrington Sands and Paignton Town Centre/Seafront.
This off-road route will be safer and more direct than existing routes from Goodrington to Brixham Road, which are steep (up to 1:6) and deter walking and cycling. The new link will provide an alternative, shallower, traffic-free route that is suitable for walkers and cyclists, connecting existing open spaces and an improved route through the Torbay Leisure Centre car park and across Dartmouth Road.
The proposed route has been informed by ecology surveys by EAD Ecology and a Tree Survey by Torbay Council’s Arboricultural Officer, and has been designed to minimise cut-and-fill and the creation of steep banks. Future management principles have been agreed to improve the biodiversity of the area. Drainage input was provided by Awcock Ward Partnership.
A consultation process has informed the design, ensuring that the scheme avoids sensitive areas such as existing species-rich grassland close to Clennon Lakes; includes positive features such as a bird watching screen adjacent to the Lakes and changes in direction to reduce potential cycle speeds. Red in-ground solar lights are proposed to mark the edge of the path whilst avoiding disturbance to bats which use the Clennon Valley for feeding and movement.
The planning application reference is P/2020/0368 and full details can be found by clicking below:
Clennon Valley Planning Application on Torbay Council planning portal
