Latest cycle path route wins approval
ANOTHER section of a scenic new cycle path between Carmarthen and Llandeilo has been given the go-ahead.
Carmarthenshire Council is behind the 16-mile Towy Valley Path, which is expected to boost tourism and increase cycling and walking among residents.
The authority now has approval for a route deviation between White Mill and Nantgaredig, on agricultural land known as Beili Glas.
A bridge will also be built across a tributary of the River Towy on the three-mile stretch in question.
Statutory bodies including Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Dyfed Archaeological Trust were among those consulted.
NRW expressed significant concerns because most of the land is on a flood plain without significant flood defence infrastructure. It also asked the council to see if otters might be present.
The council undertook an otter survey and has also satisfied NRW by including a construction environmental management plan as a planning condition.
Another condition is that no development is to take place until an archaeologist has submitted a written scheme of investigation for approval.
NRW said there would be no significant effects on the designated Towy Special Area of Conservation if the mitigation measures set out were implemented.
The council had a flood assessment carried out in 2016, which said an existing farm track and road which crossed the proposed cycle path at the lowest level “will provide users of the cycleway with an evacuation route to higher ground should the need arise”.
The assessment said signs would be installed to notify cyclists and walkers of the likelihood of flooding.
It added: “As a precautionary measure lifebuoy rings will be sited along the river bank section of the cycle/walkway.”
The three-metre wide Towy Valley Path is estimated to cost up to £14.5 million to build.
Two sections at the Carmarthen end are open, but it’s not clear at this stage when the path will be completed.
Council chiefs want Carmarthenshire to become the cycling hub of Wales. Professional races have been staged and a cycle link created between Llangennech and Llanelli, among other investments.