Barnfield Solar Farm
Campaigning > Planning Affecting Cycling
Link below to IWC Planning Page
CycleWight Comments to the application
"We have reviewed the documents and we would wish to raise the following issues and concerns.
The roads in this area are much used by cyclists. Part of the specified roads are on the Round the Island Cycle Route which attracts thousands of cyclists every year. Wilmingham Lane is used as a safe corridor by cyclists between Afton and Yarmouth. Broad Lane is a much frequented route for cyclists due to its slow speeds and outstanding views. At present it is used as a means for families to visit the Tapnell Farm site or for residents of the attraction to access Yarmouth and the cycle path to Freshwater. It is a popular safe route for cyclists assisting them to cross the Island from North to South.
The documents mention average movements which of course do not reflect what may happen on certain occasions where the figure may be much larger. The increased use of large lorries on Wilmingham Lane and the B3401 would be of real concern as this road contains a large number of blind and tight turns. For the time of the development we suggest that the speed limit for Wilmingham Lane is set at 30 mph for the safety of cyclists and other road users. The speed limit on Broad Lane is unclear as there are no speed signs at either end of the road. We suggest that the limit to be 30 mph for the duration of the construction of the solar farm. Access to Broad Lane for cyclists should be permitted when the laying of the cable is in progress. The road should be returned to a condition that is safe for all users when the cable work is complete.
We would wish to see it clearly set out in any planning agreement that access to the construction site is from Wilmingham Lane to ensure that the quiet and safe routes of Thorley Main Road, Thorley Street, Broad Lane and onto Warlands Lane are maintained. The above roads should have access for cyclists for the duration of the works as alternative routes would be along busy main roads.
If permission is agreed as part of the agreement we would ask for the path Y1 to be upgraded a to a good quality multi user path to permit people access various attractions and settlements in the vicinity. This would help the Council's desire to have a strategic network of off road routes and encourage active travel."