Plans for a new cycling and walking trail at Wimpole Hall have been given the go ahead, despite fears it would “scar one of the most beautiful vistas” on the estate.
Plans for a new cycling and walking trail at Wimpole Hall have been given the go ahead, despite fears it would “scar one of the most beautiful vistas” on the estate.
A new “multi-use trail” for cyclists and walkers is to be constructed at the Wimpole Estate, Arrington. The stately home, which was completed in 1650, is a major tourist attraction in the area. It is currently run by the National Trust, and sits within grounds designed by famous landscape architect Capability Brown.
The application proposes to create a multi-use trail along existing tracks and footpaths through the parkland and surrounding woodland with new build sections primarily on arable farmland.
The proposals would create an 8.54km loop of multi-use trail. The MUT follows 1.64 km of existing private tarmac roads, 0.90 km of existing farm tracks, and 0.66 km of existing woodland tracks, where track surface improvements are proposed.
The new build sections of the MUT are proposed in 3.99 km of arable farmland, 1.21km of grassland and 0.2 km of woodland, where the sections will be 2.5m to 3m wide.
It is anticipated that a range of users – including cyclists, runners, walkers, those in adapted wheelchairs and families with pushchairs and scooters – will benefit from these enhancement works.
Some, however, objected to the planned trail.
One objector said: “The aesthetic effect of the track on the western end of the park will be considerable because of its hilly and very visible nature.
“It will create a scar on one of the most beautiful vistas in the park.”
Arrington Parish Council objected to the plans saying visitors to the hall parking in the village was “already an issue which would be increased by this proposal”.
Their objection read: “With the potential increase to visitor traffic, and as the Wimpole Estate car park was chargeable, this would affect residents in Church Lane, Clifden Close and also encourage parking in front of the Arrington gates.”
They also raised concerns about the safety of walkers on the trail, with potential conflicts with cyclists.
The plans were approved today by South Cambridgeshire District Council’s planning committee.
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