A ROW has erupted over plans to create a dedicated West Somerset cycle path after it was revealed part of the route could encroach on prime agricultural land and cross potentially hazardous traffic routes. Opponents have been further angered by a series of consultation meetings organised by sustainable transport group Sustrans, claiming the outcome is likely to be biased as only cyclists seemed to have been officially notified of the meetings. Under the fledgling proposals, the Cycle West Somerset route would link Minehead, Dunster Beach, Blue Anchor, Washford, Watchet and Williton, as well as Dunster and Carhampton. While parts of the proposed route would use existing roads and lanes - including Black Monkey Lane, the centre of Watchet and the seafront at Blue Anchor, complete with level crossing - others appear to go directly across Crown Estate owned agricultural land. Opponents claim minimum legal requirements for cycle paths would mean fields being covered with a two and a half metres wide Tarmacadam strip, complete with ancillary verges and fencing. Carhampton and Blue Anchor parish councillor Jim Butterworth said parish councillors and Crown Estate farming tenants had not been directly notified of the consultation meetings, while many were still unaware of the implications of the scheme. Two of the three meetings were advertised in the Free Press, but Cllr Butterworth maintained the vast majority of people "in the know" appeared to be cyclists. He said: "The meetings were not very helpful and I was surprised that so many cyclists seemed to know they were happening. "These plans have gone down like a lead balloon. I'm all for sustainable transport, but it's the scale of the path at two and a half metres wide through agricultural land which really concerns me. "What might be fine in a big conurbation where it will be heavily used is simply ridiculous here. "You can't apply town standards in a rural area." He estimated the cost of the route could be as much as £100,000 per mile and said Sustrans representatives had told him the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the path, if created, would fall on the district council. But the news seemed to come as a surprise to West Somerset Council, with spokesman Stacey Beaumont stressing it was still "early days" for the proposals. She said as well as the district council, Somerset County Council, Exmoor National Park Authority and environmental group Forum 21 were also working in partnership on the project with Sustrans. She said the council was very much in favour of any schemes which encouraged motorists to get out of their cars and find "healthy alternatives to driving". Ms Beaumont said the consultation meetings had generated a generally positive response, with the findings due to be discussed by a project steering group as the Free Press went to print yesterday (Thursday). Rupert Crosbee, of Sustrans, said he too had found feedback to the proposals to be positive. He said: "The scheme will create a network of cycling and walking routes linking the towns and villages between Minehead and Watchet/Williton. "The routes will provide an attractive and healthy way for local people and visitors to enjoy the picturesque coastal landscape. "We believe the attractive scenery and the high number of villages and places of interest will make it a popular destination for walkers and cyclists." He said Sustrans would continue to work closely with its partners, community groups and residents in developing the proposals and gave assurances the path would be in-keeping with the local environment. He added: "We would welcome any feedback on the proposals and the comments will be included in the final proposal. "We are hoping to schedule another public meeting so local people will have a further opportunity to see and comment on the proposals." It is likely parts of the proposal cycle route would require planning permission from either the highways authority or the district council's planners.