Negative Visual Impact for Users of the Cycle Route


As with Footpath users, similar degradation of amenity value will apply to cyclists.  The proposed sites can be seen from various cycle routes in our villages.  The Suffolk Coast is home to two National Cycle Network Routes.  Cycle Route 1 is the main north/south route through Suffolk, and Letheringham and Easton, as well as many surrounding villages, form part of this route.

Our villages welcome charity cycle events throughout the year.  All of which attract welcome expenditure into our local economies.  The Ride and Stride national event, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, and has raised thousands for Suffolk Churches.  Ride Suffolk Sunrise is another beloved charity event, which has been running for nearly twenty years.  And we are delighted to welcome a new event launching in May 2025 – the Tour De Suffolk.

A number of holidaymakers are attracted to our villages for such events; or purely because our meandering country lanes are quiet and relatively safe.

Cyclists, whether local or tourist, or partaking in formal charity events, are a welcome sight in Letheringham.  They are often seen enjoying the twists and turns of the country lanes, up and down Blyth hill, or stopping to appreciate the views.  They are also seen taking a well-earned break, sat on the village green, by the millstone (from Letheringham Mill), enjoying the last of the sunset views across the wide-open Suffolk skyline.

In addition to the obvious degradation of amenity value, concerns have been raised regarding the potential threat to a reduction in tourist expenditure.  If nearly a quarter of Letheringham is turned into an Industrial power plant – will visitors still want to book our holiday cottages?  If the answer is “No”, this could have serious knock on effects to tourist linked businesses and employees.