Councillors will next week decide whether part of National Cycle Route 67 in Ilkeston can be closed overnight behind locked security gates.
The application relates to the new section of the Nutbrook Trail created as part of the New Stanton Park redevelopment and will be considered by Erewash Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday 10 June.
The route was built to replace a section of the trail affected by the redevelopment of the former Stanton Ironworks site and provide a more direct link between Crompton Road and the Erewash Canal.
Although the replacement route has been constructed, it has not yet been opened to the public. Users have instead continued to follow a diversion route while work at New Stanton Park progresses.
The developer has applied for permission to install security gates and fencing at both ends of the route.
Under the original application, the route would be closed between 6pm and 7am for a period of three years.
The proposal has attracted local opposition, with five objections and two comments submitted during the consultation period.
Objectors raised concerns that a 6pm closure would prevent many people from using the route during summer evenings, affect some commuters travelling before 7am and force users onto an alternative route which they say is less convenient.
Some also questioned whether a three-year closure period was justified and argued that restrictions on a route forming part of the National Cycle Network should be kept to a minimum.
The applicant says the measures are necessary because of ongoing security concerns at New Stanton Park.
According to the planning report, vandalism and theft have been recurring issues during the redevelopment, with security incidents reportedly occurring on a weekly basis.
Planning officers have concluded that a temporary overnight closure can be justified while construction continues. However, they also state that the hours proposed by the applicant are too restrictive.
The report notes that a 6pm closure would prevent after-work commuting and evening recreational use during the summer months.
As a result, officers are recommending councillors approve the application subject to amended conditions.
If approved, the gates would be required to remain open until 9pm each day and reopen at 7am. Officers have also recommended limiting the temporary permission to two years rather than the three years originally requested.
The final decision will be made by members of Erewash Borough Council’s Planning Committee when they meet at Long Eaton Town Hall on Wednesday 10 June.
What do you think? Is an overnight closure a reasonable compromise while work continues at New Stanton Park, or should the route remain open at all times?
Here’s the full list of applications to be discussed at the June meeting: