PLANS have been submitted for a new section of a walking and cycling route which will better connect neighbouring Watchet and Williton.

The mile-long link will be part of a Lovell Homes housing development currently underway in Williton which will deliver 350 homes off Priest Street.

The Wyndham Estate, which secured outline permission for the development in 2021, has now applied to deliver the walking and cycling route, which will extend the Steam Coast Trail and provide a car-free access between the two communities.

Once completed, the Steam Coast Trail will provide a safe route for walking, cycling, and wheeling between Minehead and Watchet via Blue Anchor, Washford, and Williton.

Sections between Dunster Beach car park and Blue Anchor and north of the West Somerset Railway line in Washford have already been opened.

As part of the new application a crossing will be provided on Doniford Road to link with existing pedestrian and cycling provision on the Orchard Brooks estate, and an improved crossing will be built over the B3191.

Steam Coast Trail spokesman Harry Singer said he was hopeful the new sections of the path would rapidly see the light of day, following a productive site visit to existing sections with council staff.

Mr Singer said on social media: “Super excited to have met Stuart Kennard, the new principal transport planner at Somerset Council

“We took a walk along the Dunster section of the Steam Coast Trail, the shingle has been cleared, and got up to speed on a bit of cycle path history.

“Hopefully, he will help us get back up to speed on local path delivery.”

The council is expected to make a decision on the latest plans by next spring, with construction likely to begin by the late summer if approval is granted.