In a first for the Isle of Wight, new mountain bike trails are being proposed, in a bid to improve a popular cycling centre.
In a project fully funded by Sports England, the Isle of Wight Mountain Bike Centre is looking to introduce a range of new trails at its Cheverton Farm base.
Three types of trails are proposed, with varying levels of difficulty, featuring jumps, rollers, bridges and gravel patches.
As reported by News OnTheWight last week, you can watch legendary mountain bikers, Sam Pilgrim and Sam Hodgson riding the trails.
A high-quality rural leisure sports attraction
Work is underway and in an application to the Isle of Wight Council, applicants A Hodgson and M Townsend are looking to gain consent for ‘a high-quality rural leisure sports attraction’.
Shorwell and Brighstone parish councils both support the application in principle but have concerns, including how the trails may overlap existing public rights of way – echoed by objections from The Ramblers Association and Open Spaces Society.
Island Roads has recommended the proposals be refused, warning it would likely generate more traffic on Cheverton Shute, which has limited visibility, ‘unduly’ adding ‘to the hazards of highway users’.
Purpose made trails
Planning documents submitted by agents BCM say the trails will encourage active engagement to promote social health and wellbeing, as well as leisure and tourism.
While the Island is promoted as being a cycling destination, BCM says, there are no mountain bike trails and the centre can be a place where people can go to ride purpose-made trails.
‘Light touch’
BCM says a majority of the trails would offer a ‘light touch’ to the ground and would use the existing surface without alteration.
Supporters say the application will dramatically improve the off-road cycling facilities on the Island, for residents and visitors of all ages, as well as cycling skills.
View the plans
Comments on the application, 21/02530/FUL, have closed but you can view plans on the council’s planning portal. The application attracted a lot of support.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: © Sam Pilgrim
