National Trust wins unanimous backing for Lanhydrock cycle trails.
THE National Trust has won planning approval to create 10km of off-road cycle trails at Lanhydrock.
Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee unanimously approved the plans, which include a café and cycle hire business and more parking spaces.
They aroused strong opposition in the parish, with residents saying traffic congestion caused by more visitors would ruin the tranquil environment in and around the estate.
A Save Lanhydrock action group was formed and had the support of the parish council, which recommended the application should be refused.
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However, neighbouring Bodmin Town Council came down in favour of the cycle trails, expressing a hope that they could be linked to the Camel Trail.
Mick Martin, Cornwall councillor for the Lanhydrock area, said members of the planning committee saw no problems with the plan.
"I can understand local concerns about increased traffic causing problems," he said.
"That could happen, and may have to be addressed in the future, but the application was granted unanimously, and I hope everyone who was opposed to it can now move on."
Ann Kerridge, Cornwall councillor for Bodmin West, said approval was a major boost for cycling locally.
"I'm delighted the application was passed unanimously," she said.
"It's a key part of plans to make Bodmin the cycle capital of Cornwall."
The National Trust says its new cycling hub at Lanhydrock will provide additional facilities for visitors, give families a more varied day out and offer a year-round facility for local groups and schools.
It insists the trails will be sympathetic to natural and archaeological features and that they have been designed to minimise impact on other woodland users.
Rebecca Brookes- Sullivan, the trust's general manager at Lanhydrock, said: "We'll enhance and protect the spirit of the place while increasing the number and variety of people getting pleasure from the estate."
Comments
by josdave
Friday, January 25 2013, 9:10AM
“They aroused strong opposition in the parish, with residents saying traffic congestion caused by more visitors would ruin the tranquil environment.
Typical of the NIMBYs. They had a similar situation in Plymouth when the National Trust wanted to set up a cycle trail. Tell these "concerned" residents to get on their bikes.”