The path, consisting of a route both on and off road, is one of three such trails planned for South East Cornwall in the near future – the others from Cremyll to Looe and from Looe to Bodmin will eventually connect to form part of the national cycle network.
Cormac, which has been employed by Cornwall Council to design the Liskeard to Looe route, has submitted documents and has asked the planning department if an Environmental Impact Assessment will be necessary.
For the on-road sections of the trail, no additional work will need to be done other than the installation of signage and road markings.
The off-road sections – which will make up just under two-thirds of the route – will be unbound track wherever possible to have the least impact, and will provide a path for pedestrians and cyclists where none currently exists.
The natural environment will be a key feature of the route, with the possibility of opening up new access to the wooded valley and tidal estuary between Sandplace and Looe – the suggested preferred route includes a connection from Trenant Woods over the West Looe River at a crossing point to be determined.
A map from Cormac shows one potential crossing at Trenant Point, and another much further up river where the watercourse narrows significantly.
An extension to the route would loop around the north side of the West Looe River and come back to the town via Kilminorth Woods.
The Looe Development Trust has been leading on plans for the cycle trail scheme, which it says could bring between £2m and £3m to the South East Cornwall economy.
Mr Spreckley said that the trail connecting Liskeard and Looe was always going to encounter restrictions at the Looe end as the road narrows, and with fast traffic, it is not suitable for additional cyclists and pedestrians.
“The only other route appears to be through Trenant Woods and it’s then how do we get across the river,” he said.
“It could be that it goes up and crosses at Watergate.”
Mr Spreckley said that the Looe Development Trust was not currently involved with Cormac’s work into determining the route, but that he was pleased to see the next steps being taken. The Trust is also hoping to launch a heritage-based project later in the autumn as part of the overall Looe Valley Trials project.
“As a Trust, we are delighted that Cornwall Council is proceeding, and pro-actively holding to their commitment to support the project.”
To see the documents submitted recently, visit Cornwall Council’s online planning portal and use the reference PA20/08375.