Plans to extend the Crab and Winkle Line cycle path to Whitstable Harbour are open again to public consultation.

Residents have until June 5 to express their views in writing to the city council about proposals to extend the current path over the railway line, as well as over Teynham and Old Bridge Roads.

The route would also extend behind Clare Road and Station Road, through to Harbour Street and the seafront.

An application was originally submitted in October 2007, but the Crab and Winkle Line Trust was asked to carry out environmental surveys on disused and overgrown land behind Clare Road.

Trust chairman Marcial Boo says these should strengthen the case for extending the line.

He said: “Some local residents were concerned that the environment would be damaged and now all the surveys are complete.

“These show that there will be no damage to existing wildlife, no need to cut down any trees with preservation orders and there will be sympathetic, improved planting to screen houses and gardens.”

More than 500 people have already signed a petition supporting the application, which also hopes to provide step-free access across the railway line for Whitstable Community College pupils and families walking with children.

Mr Boo added: “It will help all those with mobility problems get around town without a car, provide a community resource for everyone in the town to enjoy this green lung, and it will be the perfect way for visitors to enter the town.”

Dozens of letters of objection to the previous proposal were submitted, including from members of the Whitstable Green Lung group, and Clare Road resident John Hardy is among those concerned at the environmental impact the new application may have.

He said: “There’s an overwhelming amount of information to look at, so there will probably be some sort of residents’ meeting next week to discuss our response.

“Despite the surveys, we have lots of concerns still, but we’re also grateful to have some detailed amendments to study.”
The plans are currently available to view at the City Council offices in Harbour Street.

Letters can be sent to Nicola Hughes, planning officer, Canterbury city council, Military Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 1YW, or to nicola.hughes@canterbury.gov.uk quoting reference CA/07/01442/WHI.