Agenda and draft minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Brenton and Shepherd.

Confirmation of the Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 25 February 2026.

It was proposed by Councillor Hodson, seconded by Councillor Smith and –

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 25 February 2026 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

(Vote: 6 For and 1 Abstention)

Members with interests should refer to the agenda item and describe the nature of their interest when the item is considered.

Members were reminded that declarations of interest should be made as and when the specific agenda item to which they related was under discussion.

No items.

No items.

15 minute period for public contributions. The deadline for registering to speak is by 2pm on Monday 30 March 2026

Chair introduced Tim Steer and Sacha Hall, members of the public who wished to speak regarding proposed rail link between Bideford and Barnstaple. Chair arranged for the Public Participation item to be moved, so the public were heard before the RailFuture item.

Tim Steer spoke in support of the proposed Bideford Rail link, and Sacha Hall raised concerns regarding the proposals. 

An opportunity to hear from Roger Blake, National Infrastructure & Networks Director for Railfuture Ltd.

Mr Roger Blake (National Infrastructure and Networks Director, Rail Future Limited) presented on the preliminary strategic business case for the Bideford Rail Link. It was explained that the current work, initiated in March 2021, was commissioned to consider feasibility and this was funded with money from the UK Shared Prosperity Funding.

Mr Blake referenced Network Rail's 2024 study, which ranked Bideford second for "strategic fit" out of 23 stations on the Western Route, indicating high potential. There was recognition that the project is in its very early stages, with no commitment beyond exploration, and is referenced in the Bideford Regeneration Strategy and Master Plan as a long-term prospect.

Mr Blake outlined the various stages the project had to run through, the required funding and Department for Transport (DfT) approval. He highlighted changes to the Transport Authority with the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority taking over from Devon County Council. He stressed the preliminary nature of the current business case, acknowledging numerous variables and scenarios that were still to be considered.

Finally, Mr Blake addressed concern that had been raised regarding the Tarka Trail, and stated there was no intention to remove the Tarka Trail. He cited Devon County Council's recent £2.2 million investment in improvements as evidence that its removal was untenable. He confirmed that detailed engineering design was still to be addressed, but the principle of maintaining the Tarka Trail was paramount.

Members were then asked for their questions.

The Chair requested further detail on the project timeline. Mr Blake explained the process in detail for members and estimated construction would take approximately three years, but the time to reach the construction phase was explained as a "huge unknown." The required Development Consent Order (DCO) was explained in terms of the progress to full business case and it was estimated that this had the potential to take 10 years or more due to the complex legal tests and approval processes required.

Councillor Smith declared an Interest as Chair of Tarka Valley Railway.

Members noted Devon County Council's ownership of the track bed and Tarka Trail and the presence of sewers underneath the proposed track, which would require rerouting – it was suggested that re-routing of the Tarka Line could form part of this. Mr Blake agreed that DCC  had an interest in maintaining the active travel corridor currently in place. He also recognised the location of sewer pipes as a potential concern, with the need to involve South West Water and other organisations as stakeholders going forward.

Members raised specific concerns about the narrowness of the proposed route through Instow, questioning how both a railway and the Tarka Trail could fit at specific points. Concerns were also raised about potential impact for Instow and the MOD and Sailing Club, who are located alongside the Tarka Line. The potential impact of re-routing the Tarka Trail alongside a busy road were also noted.

Councillor Harding questioned the direct benefit for rural areas like Hartland Ward, whose residents primarily drive to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

To review the action list.

Councillor Hodson provided an update on the Link Centres. It was confirmed that the appeal outcome was raised with the DCC Health & Adult Scrutiny Chair, who advised that the judgement was currently being deliberated-

 this wasn’t felt to be satisfactory, so Councillor Hodson advised she would continue to pursue the matter. 

In terms of the use of the old Link Centre building, Councillor Hodson was advised this was a separate issue for the Property Services team.

To review the forward plan.

Chair advised that, due to the AGM in May, the Committee were only able to pencil in future meeting dates.

Democratic Services advised that both Citizen’s Advice and South West Water had been contacted, at request of the Chair, and provided dates for 2026-27 meeting cycle.

It was agreed by Members that RLNI and Coastguard would also be contacted regarding the 2026-27 meeting cycle.  Councillor Hodson advised of the work taking place regarding water safety, and noted that RLNI receive funding from TDC as part of the agreements in place for Blue Flag Status. It was suggested that a date could be scheduled around the National Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July.