A new walking and cycling link in west Bideford has been given the go-ahead to improve connections between homes, shops and businesses.
The 82-metre path on the southern side of Clovelly Road will connect the shared-use path at The Pastures housing development with the existing footway near Affinity Devon shopping centre.
The scheme was approved by Devon County Council’s Torridge Highways and Traffic Orders Committee, which includes county and district councillors, at its meeting in the Oak Room at Great Torrington Town Hall on Wednesday 7 October 2026.
The path will be 3.2 metres wide, providing space for walking and cycling as well as people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters or other mobility aids. Clovelly Road carries more than 10,000 vehicles a day. The link will fill a gap where no dedicated path currently exists, helping residents make shorter journeys without needing to drive.
The design includes a retaining wall and work to connect the new path to existing provision. Funding is proposed from the Local Transport Grant, developer contributions and earlier active travel and transport funding.
Councillor Robin Julian, chair of the Torridge Highways and Traffic Orders Committee and local county councillor, said:
“I am pleased that we have been able to agree this path which will enable pedestrians to safely move from the new housing estates to join the path near the Affinity Outlet Shopping Centre. This will make it much more convenient and safe for everyone.”
The scheme is the first phase of planned improvements to missing links along Clovelly Road. Future phases are being identified, to complete remaining gaps in the network through a combination of developer and Council led interventions.
Further information can be found online at: Agenda for Torridge Highways and Traffic Orders Committee on Wednesday, 7th October, 2026, 10.30 am – Democracy in Devon