The proposed plans for Exmouth Gateway scheme may well be withdrawn when recommendations go to the County Council next week
Next week, Devon county councillors will receive a recommendation to halt proposed measures aimed at enhancing pedestrian infrastructure in Exmouth. These measures included the closure of a subway near the railway station and the introduction of new pedestrian crossings. However, the planned extension to Dinan Way is expected to proceed as scheduled, separate from the recommended cessation of the other measures. Both initiatives are part of the broader Destination Exmouth Levelling Up fund improvements.
The decision not to proceed with the Exmouth Gateway project follows extensive public consultation, during which the majority of respondents opposed the closure of the subway. This closure was intended to facilitate the widening of a shared pedestrian and cycle path and the conversion of a zebra crossing to one with traffic signals.
Additionally, the proposed measures included the installation of a new zebra crossing outside The Strand Inn, a pedestrian crossing on The Royal Avenue, and the widening of the footpath to the leisure centre. While aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the town centre and enhancing the arrival experience in Exmouth, the plans faced significant criticism. Opponents argued that closing the subway would eliminate a safe crossing route for elderly and slower pedestrians, while the proposed road crossings and traffic calming measures were feared to exacerbate congestion and delays.
Critics also questioned the absence of proposals to improve the rundown bus station, toilets, and car park adjacent to the station exit within the Gateway project.
Devon County Council stated that without the additional space provided by closing the subway and its ramps, delivering the other active travel improvements would not be feasible. Consequently, they recommend removing the Exmouth Gateway proposals from the Destination Exmouth scheme.
The council had secured funding of £15.765 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund for Destination Exmouth improvements, with contributions from Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, and Exmouth Town Council. Presently, Devon County Council is collaborating with the Department for Transport (DfT) to assess the financial implications of halting the Gateway scheme and to ensure that the Dinan Way extension remains unaffected. This extension aims to provide a link to the A376 and divert traffic away from residential roads in the area.
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