Calls for bypass plan to help walkers and cyclists

The road would provide access to the B4009 from either side of Watlington, without the need to travel through the town centre

A government agency has recommended proposals to build a bypass around a market town are deferred due to insufficient active travel route provision.

Active Travel England (ATE) said the current versions of the Watlington Relief Road scheme still did not "sufficiently enhance" protected walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure.

Oxfordshire County Council said it was engaging with ATE "with a view to resolving these comments ahead of planning committee".

The public consultation on the plans ended on 21 December.

The road would provide access to the B4009 from either side of Watlington, without the need to travel through the town centre.

It would include two new roundabouts, a new junction linking Britwell Road/Harmans Way and a new pick-up and drop-off area for cars going to Icknield Community College, and a new bridge over Chalgrove Brook.

The route is popular for people making their way to and from the nearby M40

In his response to the public consultation, Henley and Thame MP Freddie van Mierlo said failing to deliver the scheme would "result in a catastrophic loss of trust in the planning process".

Mr van Mierlo, who also represents the Chalgrove and Watlington division for the county council, added it would improve active travel by creating a shared footway/cycleway and reducing speed limits on Pyrton Lane, and that the college would have a safer coach and bus drop off zone.

Watlington Parish Council said they "unreservedly support" the application.

But ATE listed some concerns including the increased demand for walking and cycling along Pyrton Lane and the public right of way link to Love Lane, and the lack of clarity over how cyclists on the Willow Close / Cuxham Road roundabout are expected to continue to the city centre.

"While some improvements have been made since earlier proposals of the Watlington Relief Road scheme, our recommendation to defer a decision reflects the view that the current proposals still do not sufficiently enhance active travel route provision."

Pyrton Parish and Cuxham with Easington parish councils voiced objections saying HGV traffic would not be prevented from accessing the B480 and urging for a section of Pyrton Lane between Watlington and Pyrton to be closed to traffic.

Previously, some local traders said the relief road would impact trade by decreasing footfall in the town.

The county council said it would "take into account all comments received by statutory stakeholders, and any associated responses" ahead of the recommendation to the planning committee.

A decision on whether the scheme will go ahead will take place later in the month.