"This project represents an important step toward achieving our vision of creating a greener, more connected community.”
Braintree District Council has granted planning permission and awarded £10,000 to Greenway North Essex, a community group committed to creating safe, all-weather cycle routes that connect villages and smaller towns.
The funding will support Greenway North Essex’s ambition of establishing a cycle route connecting Kelvedon, Coggeshall, Earls Colne and Halstead. This project forms part of a wider strategy of creating a coherent cycle network linking rural and urban areas, thereby encouraging more residents to choose cycling as a primary mode of transport.
With planning permission granted and feasibility studies completed, this funding will enable Greenway North Essex to:
· develop a dedicated website to enhance its fundraising efforts
· create communication materials to support future funding bids
· contribute to further planning and project related activities
Councillor Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Infrastructure at Braintree District Council, said: “We are delighted to support Greenway North Essex in their vital work to improve sustainable transport options in our region. Cycling is not only good for the environment, but it’s also beneficial to people’s health and wellbeing. This project represents an important step toward achieving our vision of creating a greener, more connected community.”
Councillor Gabrielle Spray, Cabinet Member for Planning at Braintree District Council, said: “I am pleased that the Council has granted planning permission to progress this fantastic project, which supports our ambitions in the local plan to create better cycle connectivity in the district for residents.”
Peter Kohn of Greenway North Essex, said: “Greenway North Essex welcomes the support of Braintree District Council. For ambitious projects like this to work, community groups and councils need to work together closely. The next big task is to try and secure funding for the delivery of the scheme and this requires funding bodies to see close cooperation between the public, community groups and local government. We are fortunate to be in a position to demonstrate this.”
Results from an eight week public engagement exercise on the Council’s cycling strategy showed that sixty-one percent of residents believe developing a comprehensive cycle network should be a top priority. This aligns with the Council’s long-term goal of doubling the number of cycling trips and forms part of its strategy to reduce emissions, alleviate congestion and combat climate change.
For updates on the Greenway North Essex project, visit www.greenwaynorthessex.org