Canterbury to Chartham riverside cycle route
Gregory Williams
Fellow cyclists,
Some of you may recall that last year a planning application had been placed for traffic-free cycle route from Canterbury to Chartham beside the river, realigning National Cycle Route 18 along the new route. Also on the planning application was traffic-free cycle access beneath the railway at Wincheap via the “Horses & Goats” tunnel located behind the Gasometer. Indeed several of you wrote letters of support for the route for which we are very grateful. Unfortunately the planning application was subsequently withdrawn due to external reasons.
Well, we’re now pleased to advise you that a fresh planning application has been submitted for both the riverside route and the Horses & Goats tunnel. This has made some small alterations to the route (such as a section being set back from the river a bit further, to avoid any potential conflict with anglers.). The main route links with National Cycle Route 1 via Whitehall Road in Canterbury, leaving the city via Toddler’s Cove. It emerges in Chartham adjacent to the village hall.
The planning application number is CA/09/00209/FUL. Details of the planning application can be found online here:
We encourage you to write letters of support for this application, including if you had previously written a letter (since this is a separate application.). The benefits of the route will be many, including:
- The riverside route provides a much safer alternative to the A28 or Cockering Road (which National Cycle Route 18 currently follows between Canterbury and Chartham.). You’ll see that the planning documents make reference to the accident statistics for the present alternative routes.
- A flat route for children to cycle to / from school. E.g. for Canterbury High in Knight Avenue the route would be entirely traffic free from Chartham village hall.
- An ideal commuting route for people to get to / from work.
- It’s likely to encourage more tourism (much like the Crab & Winkle Way has) together with the associated revenue it brings to local businesses (B&Bs, cafes, etc.).
- It can help to reduce congestion by replacing some of the existing motor traffic with bicycle / pedestrian users along the new route instead.
- Access via the Horses & Goats tunnel will be much safer than using the A28 beneath the railway into Wincheap, and much more convenient than the footbridge crossing near Canterbury East that’s currently used by National Cycle Route 18.
- Convenient access to the shops both in Wincheap and into the city centre shops.
- It helps to keep people active, fit, and healthy.
We’re sure that you can think of many more!
We look forward to seeing lots of letters of support! Letters need to arrive by Friday 24th April. They should be addressed to:
Nan Barton,
Planning Department,
Canterbury City Council,
Military Road,
Canterbury,
CT1 1YW.
Thanks!
Gregory Williams
Rides co-ordinator & webmaster
Spokes East Kent Cycle Campaign