SPOKES undertakes a wide variety of activities to improve cycling across the district – this includes looking at planning applications to ensure that the needs of cyclists are properly considered as part of planning applications.

A recent example is at Newbury Business Park where the there is a proposal for new housing development with a pedestrian access onto London Road and associated landscaping. The plans show a green strip along the western edge of the development, which roughly coincides with the alignment of the former Newbury to Oxford railway line, which SPOKES is trying to get reopened as a walking, cycling and equestrian route.

The planning application suggests that the new pedestrian access will be “strictly controlled with only residents having a key/card to gain access.” However, this has potential to open up a path between the A4 and the River Lambourn for pedestrians and cyclists. This would connect to an existing bridge over the river and shared use path through to Curling Way, with a quiet on-road route through to Kiln Ride. We have queried with West Berks Highways Development Control if it is possible for public access along the old railway line could be provided.

While we do try and pick up most of the major planning applications, it is difficult for us to assess them all and some will inevitably slip through the net. If you know of an opportunity to improve cycling provision associated with a proposed development, then please email us at highways@westberkshirespokes.org.