The Torridge Highways and Traffic Orders Committee met on Wednesday 7 October 2026, approving a new shared-use path in Bideford and noting progress on a local waiting restriction programme, while deferring a decision on proposed vehicle restrictions in Appledore.

Clovelly Road Shared-Use Path, Bideford

The committee approved the detailed design and construction of a new shared-use path along the southern side of Clovelly Road in Bideford. The path, estimated to cost £459,566, will connect The Pastures housing development to the existing footway adjacent to Affinity Devon. The decision also included approval for the acquisition of necessary land by negotiation and delegated powers to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport to make minor amendments to the scheme. This project is identified as a key missing link in the active travel network within the Barnstaple, Bideford and Northam Local Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and aims to improve safety and connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists, and those who wheel. The funding for the scheme will come from a combination of sources, including the Active Travel Fund, S106 developer contributions, the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Block, and the Local Transport Grant. The council's Strategic Plan highlights the scheme's alignment with priorities for young people, continuous improvement of services, a green Devon, economic inclusion, and stronger communities.

Local Waiting Restriction Programme

The committee noted the progress of the local waiting restriction programme and approved the recommendations contained within Appendix 2 of the report. However, a specific site, ENV6309-776 Golf Links Road, Westward Ho!, requires a site visit by members of the committee to consider objections and view the location before a final decision can be made. Authority has been delegated to the members attending the site visit to determine whether the advertised restriction, or any part of it, should be progressed. All members of the committee are invited to attend this site visit. The programme aims to rationalise existing parking arrangements, enable efficient enforcement, encourage sustainable travel choices, and assist pedestrians and vulnerable road users. The costs associated with advertising new traffic orders are funded from the Minor Traffic Management Improvements budget.

Pitt Lane, Appledore: Proposed Prohibition of Motor Vehicles

Consideration of the proposed prohibition of motor vehicles on Pitt Lane, Appledore, was deferred to the next meeting. This deferral was to allow for the full review of a letter received from Richard Buxton Solicitors regarding the matter. The original proposal aimed to create a traffic-free route for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders as part of a new residential development, transferring through traffic to a new road, Estuary Avenue. This decision follows a previous High Court ruling that quashed an earlier decision to make a traffic order for Pitt Lane, due to concerns about the consideration of a nearby play area. The report indicated that the proposals were intended to improve road safety and active travel.