A SERIES of ‘ambitious and transformational’ plans to develop cycling and walking improvements across Devon have been given the green light by councillors.

Cabinet have members backed several Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) which outline the authority’s priorities for cycling and walking improvements over the next 10 to 20 years.

Among these are two routes in Teignbridge.

The adoption of LCWIPs puts the council in the strongest possible position for bidding for Government funding for walking and cycle schemes, as well as leveraging external grants and for use in negotiations with developers.

While supporting increased walking and cycling levels across Devon, the plans also support the council’s response to the climate crisis, improving the health and wellbeing of residents and delivering economic benefits in the county.

Schemes have been prioritised based on where the greatest impact can be made in increasing the number of people who choose to walk or cycle.

Factors considered include whether an alternative route exists nearby, how the links serve key journey types such as travel to school, work and for leisure, and where the potential is greatest to attract developer funding due to planned growth in these areas.

While the Devon Countywide LCWIP complements Devon’s urban-focussed LCWIPs with aspirational long-term rural multi-use trail routes across the entire county, connecting Devon’s communities with our coast and countryside.

It focuses on 10 routes including one from Ashburton to Buckfastleigh in Teignbridge.

Councillors also supported the inclusion of a Totnes to Newton Abbot shared walking and cycling route via Littlehempston into the South Hams LCWIP being currently drawn up by South Hams District Council.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for highway management, said: ‘I’m delighted that the council has adopted these transformational and ambitious Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans, which set out our priorities for investment.

‘Each shows an evidence-based approach to identifying active travel improvements and the result of public consultations show that they are well supported by local people.

‘I am particularly pleased that scrutiny engaged so positively with the Countywide LCWIP and supported the document, which was then amended following public consultation.

‘I have met with parties keen to secure the delivery of a route connecting Totnes to Littlehempston and I have recommended steps that can be taken locally to support the development of the route, which will strengthen the case for its potential inclusion at a future review of the plan.

‘These plans put the Devon County Council in the strongest position to secure future funding and deliver new commuter, education and leisure routes in locations where there is the greatest potential to encourage walking, wheeling and cycling amongst people of all ages and abilities.’

While these plans include ambitions to deliver proposals, their inclusion does not guarantee these will be achieved.

Schemes still need to undergo detailed design, and the securing of any necessary third-party land and formal approval for construction once funding has been secured.