Section 11: The Medina Estuary

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1 Section 11: The Medina Estuary Medina Valley (Stretch 11) Introduction: The East Cowes area has no public footpaths, and the creation of a coastal path around the Medina would connect the two major towns of Newport and Cowes, on both sides of the river. There is already an established cycle path on the western side of the river, and an excellent new path, the Medina Greenway connecting Newport and Island Harbour. The creation of a footpath from Island Harbour to East Cowes would have significant benefits to the community, and create a link from the ferry port at East Cowes to the capital of the Island. It would provide additional experience of the current industrial and marine themes in Cowes and East Cowes together with the historic appeal of Newport Harbour and Little London. The route is mostly in a rural environment, boasts stunning panoramic views of the river and landscapes. Taking in Newport, the capital town of the Island, would be strategically important for the Island s economy and tourism and offers a wealth of facilities and services including public transport options. Inclusion would also enable a continuous route without having to rely on public transport, which does not run continuously and cannot always be relied upon. With the exception of a section north of Whippingham, the route could largely follow existing public rights of way, which may be considered adequate if coupled with spreading room. Nevertheless, where considered appropriate, this report provides alternatives to the existing public rights of way and proposed main route (indicated by red font and red map references). The River Medina is the main river of the Island. It is a navigable tidal estuary from Newport northwards where it takes the form of a drowned valley. The river is bridged at Newport and there is a connection between Cowes and East Cowes by a chain ferry known as the Cowes Floating Bridge. The river is used as a very safe harbour by yachtsmen. There are warehouses and wharves where, in

2 the past flying boats, hovercraft, and steam ships were developed and built. The Classic Boat Museum in East Cowes, displays much of the river s history, as well as the history of yachting. The Island Harbour Marina is about two miles from Newport and on the site of an old tidal mill. This report begins at the chain ferry (East Cowes) and ends at the chain ferry (Cowes). Ref Location Land type/use and Path information to 2 Chain ferry (1) to Britannia Way (2). The industrial buildings south of the chain ferry are very much active and secure and will be excepted. The route therefore follows the adopted pavement along Ferry Road and Clarence Road. Photos and detail maps Proposed route to 3 Britannia Way (2) to Cadets Walk (3). The route continues along Clarence Road to Minerva Road and then turning off onto Kingston Road. At the end of Kingston Road is the southern end of Cadets Walk (adopted). Following the river south at the end of Kingston Road would not be possible due to the location of the power station (excepted). Proposed route 2-3

3 The promenade at Britannia Way and the Life Boat Public House provides the first opportunity to experience the coast. However, for a through route to exist it would be necessary to gain access through a gate which is currently locked. On the other side of the gate is adopted highway (Medina View) leading back up to Kingston Road. It may be possible to continue through East Cowes cemetery to remain off road but would not provide any significant gain or views of the river.

4 to 4 From the end of Kingston Road/Cadets Walk (3) the path could follow the route of a proposed new link road as part of the nearby housing development and then continue south along an existing wide pavement with views of the river to the west. Point 4 is where that pavement turns east. Proposed route 3-4 New development could form part of the route

5 A slight variation/alternative would be a path immediately adjacent the western boundary of the power station but this might be considered unnecessary especially as the views are likely to be better from the proposed new road which is in an elevated position. To the south of the power station is land currently under development. This development is for a marine business park and very likely to be excepted. Approved planning application

6 to 5 At point 4, the route could run down the northern boundary of a field towards the river and then follow the river along the western boundaries of further fields to an inlet north of the SARO site. Here the route could head east to join an existing public right of way (Public Footpath CS24) point 5. Proposed route 4-5

7 Planning permission has been granted for the SARO site although development has not yet started and a possibility exists that it may not be implemented. If the development proceeds it will be a question of whether a route between the private dwellings would be feasible. If the development is not implemented then this raises the question whether an inactive site is excepted and/or whether the historic use of the site renders it unsuitable for public access on the grounds of health and safety. Old Saro site which has planning permission approved to 6 On joining Public Footpath CS24 (5) the route could then follow the existing public rights of way (N199, N122, N120) to The Folly, Island Harbour, Seaclose and Newport Harbour to join Sea Street (6) with spreading room and rollback where considered appropriate/ necessary. Please note that stretches of the current path N122 can be subject to intermittent tidal flooding. Route follows the shared route

8 Medina Greenway Upon reaching the car park at Seaclose (at the Medina Quay Public House) the route could leave N120 by turning west and then continuing through Newport Harbour to re-join N120 at the Council Offices (Jubilee Stores). This area, although not adopted highway or recorded on the Definitive Map, is Council owned land available for the public and would provide views of the river and experience of the historic harbour to 7 From Sea Street (6) the route could follow the adopted carriageway (Little London) to the bottom of Hurstake Road, continuing along Blackhouse Quay to join Public Footpath N29. The route could then follow the river bank public rights of way N29 and N30 until reaching the secure site of Vestas (excepted). N30 joins the Newport to Cowes Cycle Track (7). Spreading room and roll back provisions are required for the river bank paths.

9 to 8 The straightforward option from Vestas (7) is to simply follow the Cycle Track to Arctic Road (8). This provides glimpses of the river and could include spreading room. However, there are options for some sections of the route to be in proximity of the river (see sections below) Immediately north of the Vestas site is an area of accessible land with evidence of existing trodden paths. This could either be designated as spreading room from the Cycle Track or the route could follow the river bank with roll back provision.

10 The next section is less straightforward as the land is fully secured and inaccessible and it may be argued that it forms part of the private grounds of Pinkmead and therefore excepted. Certainly the land immediately surrounding and to the north of the actual house is a private garden.

11 The next section of land (Chawton Field Nature Reserve) is managed by the Hampshire & Wight Wildlife Trust. Access is currently possible at the southern end but there is a locked field gate at the northern end. Again, this area could simply be designated as spreading room from the Cycle Track or a route could follow the river bank with roll back provision.

12 The next section of land is open and clearly accessed by the public, evidenced by a number of trodden paths. Public Footpath CS31 dissects the middle of the area. As views of the river are limited from the Cycle Track at this location a route following the river could be considered beneficial. Unadopted footpaths

13 The final area of land adjacent the Cycle Track is an active and secure industrial site occupied and operated by Port Services, Isle of Wight Grain Storage and Isle of Wight Aggregate Industries. This will very likely be excepted to 9 From Arctic Road (8) to the Chain Ferry (9) there seems to be little opportunity for a route to be established close to the river at the present time. The area adjacent the river is fully occupied by many marine and industrial businesses and the UKSA and will likely be excepted. Following the pavements of the adopted carriageways Arctic Road, South Road, Pelham Road, Thetis Road, Bridge Road and Medina Road is the only available option at the present time. Urban walking a necessity here

14 A possible exception to paragraph 11.17, is the proposed redevelopment of Thetis Wharf which could enable a walking through route for the public in the future, possibly along a promenade or similar. There is a pending planning application (P/00496/16). Summary of Opportunities and Access Issues 1. This is yet another part of the island where there are different landscapes and industrial heritage features, and quite different from anything else on the island. 2. A route around the Medina would be very beneficial to the local community and would have tourist appeal, especially to visitors at the Cowes gateway connecting to Newport. 3. The Medina Valley Coastal Community Team has recently been established, through Natural Enterprise, and have produced draft plans for the Medina. They recommend the following: Complete an attractive, well-signed riverside walking/cycling route on the East side of the Medina. Create stronger pedestrian and cycling links between Newport Harbour and Newport Town. 4. The area is particularly attractive to yachtsmen. 5. Industrial heritage includes The Saunders-Roe complex (Saro) which was an aero and marine engineering company from 1924 to 1964, producing numerous flying boats, helicopters, land based airplanes, hovercraft and spacecraft (Black Knight and Black Arrow rockets). Wind turbine blades are now produced by Vestas at a site opposite Island Harbour. 6. Uffa Fox CBE was a local boat designer and raced with Duke of Edinburgh at Cowes week. Uffa Fox is buried at St Mildred s Church, Whippingham which overlooks the Medina. St Mildreds was the family church of Queen Victoria and her consort and

15 there are many royal connections with this church Battenberg Chapel, and other graves of several of the royal family. Princess Beatrice, oldest daughter of Queen Victoria was also married here. Samuel Edgar Saunders is also buried at St. Mildreds. 7. Erosion affects the riverside paths, but most of the existing rights of way are in good condition.