Proposed Combwich to Hinkley Point Shared Use Cycle Path

This scheme is being proposed primarily to provide an alternative cycle route for people commuting between Combwich and the Hinkley Point area who currently would have to use the C182. The new shared use cycle path would also complete a wider off main-road cycle route between Bridgwater and Hinkley Point. The scheme could also provide wider local value – offering an enjoyable route for leisure purposes.

In addition to a sustainable commuting route for those working at Hinkey Point in the longer term, the scheme would also offer an enjoyable route for leisure purposes and improved access to the outdoors for those people with mobility challenges. The benefits of activity and exercise are well understood and so the increased access could well help to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities.

If taken forward, the scheme would be entirely funded by Hinkley Point C.

Depending on the type of surfacing proposed, the route would take around 12 months to construct.

A key part of this consultation is to seek input on the type of surfacing that could be used on the proposed route. At the moment the route has a variety of different surfaces including concrete, grass and porous material. The surfacing for the route will need to be fit for purpose for many potential users including cyclists, horse riders, pedestrians and those with limited mobility. In addition, some landowners and organisations accessing and maintaining land may need to use the route as a means of access. We are seeking views on the most appropriate surfacing for the path including Flexible paving (made from recycled tyres) and Asphalt.

In order to proceed, a full planning application for the route would need to be submitted and approved. In addition, a Bridleway Creation Order would need to be made by either Somerset County Council or the relevant Secretary of State. From that point, development work could only begin at certain times of the year due to ecological constraints. Other consents would also be needed depending on the route of the path. This means that it could be some time before any work takes place to develop the cycle path.

For the majority of the route, the intention is to provide a new surface to existing footpaths. These footpaths would need to be upgraded to a bridleway via a separate application for a Bridleway Creation Order which has already been promoted by Somerset County Council. As a bridleway, the surfaced route could be used by a wide variety of non-motorised users including cyclists, horseriders, pedestrians and those with limited mobility. In addition to the change to bridleways, there are some parts of the proposed route which are not currently designated as rights of way at all, they would have to be designated as such to allow the development.

Due to the location of the proposed route, direct impact on the local villages would be minimal. A small construction compound would be needed whilst the surfacing was being carried out and would likely be in place for a period of around 12 months. All construction machinery used would be small and designed to be non-intrusive, particularly in terms of noise. The detailed method of construction and location of a construction compound would be informed by the exact design of the route and confirmed as part of the formal planning application.

The primary purpose of the scheme would be for cycling commuters between Bridgwater and the surrounding villages and as such could help to reduce vehicle numbers on local roads. However, due to its location, the scheme could also attract recreational users from the local area and potentially, further afield. Experience suggests that if car parking is provided this would add to the attractiveness for this purpose. Our consultation will be seeking views on whether a parking area should be provided as well as views and concerns over the potential impacts of traffic more widely. A Transport Statement would also be included in any planning application.

An Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Opinion Request was prepared for the proposal in November 2020. This covered the topics of biodiversity, flood risk, landscape, historic environment, arboriculture, noise and land quality. The Screening Opinions received from both relevant local authorities in December 2020 (Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset West & Taunton Council) concluded that they were both satisfied that a planning application for the proposed cycle path would not need to be accompanied by an Environmental Statement.

An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) was then prepared for the proposed shared use cycle path in 2021. The EcIA highlighted that the proposed cycle path is located within a landscape of high ecological value, including numerous designated sites, priority habitats and protected/priority species.  However, due to the minimally intrusive nature of the proposals and the combination of sensitive design features and mitigation that will be implemented, the residual effects are predicted to be negligible.

We understand the sensitive nature of the land and habitats surrounding the proposed route. As with the construction of Hinkley Point C itself, we will be doing our best to minimise impact as far as possible. Mitigation measures would include undertaking pre-construction otter and great crested newt surveys, an Ecological Clerk of Works would be present on site for the duration of the upgrades whilst work would also be limited to daylight hours only. In addition, activity along the England coast path sections would avoid the key periods for wintering birds and moulting shelduck whilst all best practice pollution prevention measures would be followed.

Somerset West and Taunton Council has now declared both a climate emergency and an ecological emergency. The council has committed to working towards carbon neutrality and climate resilience by 2030 and this proposal closely aligns to those aims. Any final planning application would also need to demonstrate that the proposal will not be detrimental to wildlife and biodiversity.

Analysis of the Environment Agency’s Flood Map shows that the proposed project is located within Flood Zone 3 which has a high risk of flooding. The majority of the proposed route is aligned along the boundary between areas benefiting from flood defences and undefended areas. The Steart Managed Realignment Scheme is located to the east of Sections C & D of the proposed route. Two key aspects of flood risk will be considered as part of the Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) which would supporting any final application for the preferred scheme.

There are a small number of listed buildings in the general area, but these are set away from the proposed route. There is also a scheduled monument called ‘Pixie’s Mound’ located to the south of the Hinkley Point complex but again, this is well away from the proposed location of the new path.

On receipt of responses to the initial consultation in 2014 the development of the scheme was paused whilst detailed design considerations were considered, engagement with landowners took place and environmental studies completed. In recent years, the Covid-19 pandemic has prevented consultations and discussions from taking place face-to-face.

At the start of the cycle path on the edge of Combwich, the EA Bridleway links to Ship Lane/Riverside by a track. The end of the path on the northern perimeter of Hinkley Point will connect to the proposed bridleway promoted as part of Somerset County Councils Bridleway Creation Order although at present the section between the end of the proposed cycle path and the C182 would not be surfaced.

All views and suggestions that we receive through the consultation process will be collated and considered as the final design proposal is developed further.

If there is sufficient support and a basis to proceed, we would submit a request for a further screening opinion and prepare a planning application for submission to the District Councils or the new Somerset Council (if after April 2023).

Environmental Impact Assessment screening request document