Cheddar Pump Track
Ride Mendips have obtained planning permission and secured over £100,000 of funding. We are now working with Cheddar Parish Council to get the track built and opened by the Easter 2022.
Once the track is built will be running a new British Cycling Go Ride Club called Cheddar Shredderz. Follow Cheddar Shredderz on Instagram or Facebook for the latest information.
What?
A pump track is a circuit of rollers, berms (banked turns) and other features designed to be ridden by riders "pumping" (generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling). They were originally designed for mountain bikes and BMXs, but now, due to concrete or tarmac constructions, can also be used by skateboards and are accessible to wheelchairs. Pump tracks are relatively simple to use and cater to a wide variety of rider skill levels.
We aim to augment Cheddar skatepark with a new pump track. We see this as an opportunity to provide a safe learning ground for young people to enjoy exercise outdoors, to develop their skills and to progress to other forms of biking in and around the Mendips area.
Why?
Cheddar skate park is a hugely popular venue for young people to meet, to skate or cycle, to learn new skills, and hopefully to develop healthy living and lifestyle traits that will stay with them for life. The pump track project will increase the capacity of the facility, providing a resource that enables people of all abilities to develop their skills, from beginners upwards.
Ultimately, we want to encourage increased use of the site for everyone regardless of gender, age, ability or ethnicity and to encourage a stronger community. We hope that this will encourage more cyclists and offer a springboard to new projects and to reinvigorate the cycling community in the area.
How?
Ride Mendips have obtained planning permission and secured over £100,000 of funding. We are now working with Cheddar Parish Council to get the track built and opened by the Spring 2022.
We have raised £7,000 from two fantastic Cheddar Extravaganza events in Cheddar village hall and have received £2,500 from Sedgemoor Council Community Fund. We used £2,500 of this to have designs drawn up and to submit the planning application.
We have secured funding commitments of £48,000 worth of materials from Hanson, £35,000 from the British Cycling Places to Ride Fund, £20,000 from the National Grid Community Fund, £2,500 from the Thatchers Foundation, £1,500 from Petruth Paddocks and £500 from Mendip Rotary Club. We have also seeking £10,000 funding from Hinckley C Community Fund for club equipment.
When?
We are working with Cheddar Parish Council to start the build in early 2022 and to open the track by Easter 2022.
Project History
22 December 2018
Ride Mendips discuss the idea of a pump track with a number of Cheddar residents. Ride Mendips agree to initiate and lead the development of the project.
26 February 2019
Ride Mendips present the pump track project concept to Cheddar Parish Council at a full council meeting. Cheddar Parish Council voted unanimously to support the project in principle and for the track to be located next to skatepark on Sharpham Road playing fields.
01 March 2019
Ride Mendips initiate dialogue with Velosolutions on pump track design.
02 March 2019
The Cheddar Experiment organise the Cheddar Extravaganza event and raises ~£2,000. Daytime event shares information about the project and get significant community support.
16 March 2019
The Weston Mercury run an article about the project.
20 March 2019
Ride Mendips awarded £2,500 from Sedgemoor District Council.
17 May 2019
Ride Mendips initiate dialogue with Bristol Water to ascertain if they foresee any issues with the proposed pump track location.
10 July 2019
Ride Mendips met representatives of Bristol Water and Cheddar Parish Council on site to discuss the project. The issue of the culvert was discussed. Bristol Water indicated that we would be able to proceed but should try to minimise load over the culvert area.
18 December 2019
Velosolutions share draft pump track design with Ride Mendips.
11 January 2020
Cheddar Extravaganza event in village hall raises ~£5,000.
24 January 2020
Velosolutions share final pump track design with Ride Mendips.
01 June 2020
Ride Mendips submit planning application to Sedgemoor District Council.
11 June 2020
Ride Mendips awarded £20,000 from the National Grid Community Fund.
19 June 2020
Ride Mendips run an online survey. 410 responses collected. Over 50% say they would use a pump track weekly and over 90% monthly.
22 June 2020
Ride Mendips awarded £2,500 from the Thatcher’s Foundation.
07 July 2020
Cheddar Parish Council vote to support the planning application.
05 August 2020
Planning application granted by Sedgemoor District Council.
26 August 2020
Ride Mendips awarded £500 from Mendip Rotary Club.
06 November 2020
Ride Mendips pass stage 1 of British Cycling Places to Ride fund but request that Cheddar Parish Council become the lead applicant.
24 November 2020
Ride Mendips presented a detailed update on the project to Cheddar Parish Council. Cheddar Parish Council vote to be the lead applicant for the British Cycling Places to Ride fund subject to additional information regarding the terms of the grant if awarded.
27 November 2020
The Cheddar New Nub run an article about the project.
Ride Mendips meet with Chief Executive of the Wessex Learning trust who offers support for the project.
16 March 2021
The Weston Mercury run another article about the project.
09 February 2021
Ride Mendips awarded all material in kind from Hanson Aggregates worth ~£40,000.
24 February 2021
Ride Mendips awarded £35,000 from British Cycling Places to Ride.
03 March 2021
Bristol Water share information with Ride Mendips & Cheddar Parish Council regarding covenants that it holds on the land that require its approval before build or changing the level of land within easement zones of Holwell Rye culvert.
04 March 2021
Ride Mendips share planning documents with Bristol Water to review and consider approval in light of new information regarding covenants.
09 March 2021
Cheddar Parish Council hold an extraordinary full council meeting to discuss next steps in light of covenants held by Bristol Water. Resolved to explore an alternative location that avoids the issues with the culvert.
10 March 2021
Ride Mendips met members of Cheddar Parish Council on site to discuss possible alternative locations.
12 March 2021
Bristol Water deny permission for the build and enact rights on covenant.
23 March 2021
Cheddar Parish Council hold an extraordinary full council meeting. Representatives from Ride Mendips, British Cycling, Cheddar Rugby Club, Cheddar Football Club and a number of other members of the public in attendance. Two potential locations were identified; Site A Rugby and Site B Football. Two votes taken:
1. Whether the Pump Track go ahead at either Site A or B or not at all.
Site A/Site B: Cllrs Anderson, Bradley-Balmer, Colton, Comber, Flack, Fontaine, Goodfellow, Kay, Male. (9)
Not at all: Cllrs Brown, Carter, C Fineran, P Fineran, Panchaud. (5)
2. That the Pump Track go ahead at site A or B.
Site A: Cllrs Anderson, Colton, Flack, Goodfellow, Kay, Male, Panchaud. (7)
Site B: Cllrs Bradley-Balmer, Brown, Comber, P Fineran, Fontaine. (5)
Abstained: Cllr Carter, C Fineran. (2)
Resolved – that the Pump Track be located at Site A Rugby.
It was noted that the agreement with British Cycling needs to be returned by 1 April. A contract will be required between the Parish Council and Ride Mendips as they will be commissioning part of the works, with an agreement on how the facility will be used. It was noted that an amended application will now need to go through planning and the appointment of a contractor is to be voted on.
Resolved – it was proposed by Cllr Male and seconded by Cllr Goodfellow that the letter of acceptance from British Cycling for the award of £35,000 be signed and returned. The motion was carried by a majority
15 March 2021
Velosolutions share an updated pump track design with Ride Mendips.
26 March 2021
Ride Mendips meet with James Heappey, MP for Wells constituency. James offers support for the project and to write letter of support to Bristol Water.
30 March 2021
Ride Mendips submit new planning application to Sedgemoor District Council.
09 May 2021
Ride Mendips met members of Cheddar Parish Council on site to discuss location of water pipes and culvert in relation to a new track design.
11 May 2021
Ride Mendips awarded £10,000 from Hinkley Point C fund towards bikes and training equipment to run a club for young people.
18 May 2021
Ride Mendips attend Cheddar Parish Council planning meeting to answer questions regarding the new planning application. Several councillors (Brown, Carter, C Fineran, P Fineran, Panchaud) raised objections regarding the location of the culvert, the risk of rugby balls injuring children using the track, the visual impact of the track next to the new pavilion and the likelihood of increased antisocial behaviour and litter from young people. They also requested that the crushed stone path to the pump track be removed from the planning application. Cheddar Parish Council resolved to defer a decision until after an on-site meeting with Bristol Water to secure their agreement given the water pipes and culvert.
19 May 2021
Ride Mendips met representatives from Bristol Water and the majority of Cheddar Parish Council on site to discuss the new location in relation to the culvert and water pipes. It was agreed that Bristol Water would conduct a survey to determine the exact location of the culvert to ensure that the track does not impinge on the easement zones.
15 June 2021
Bristol Water conduct survey of Holwell Rye culvert.
26 of July 2021
Bristol Water eventually share drawings with exact location of culvert.
07 August 2021
Ride Mendips share provisional designs of new track with Cheddar Parish Council and Bristol Water to gather any feedback.
11 August 2021
Bristol Water confirm that they are happy with new plans.
17 August 2021
Ride Mendips attend Cheddar Parish Council planning meeting to share details of the updated track design that now confirms that it avoids easement areas of both the water pipes and culvert. The plan also shows the removal of the footpath previously requested. Several councillors (Brown, Carter, C Fineran, P Fineran, Panchaud) again raised objections regarding the location of the culvert, the risk of rugby balls injuring children using the track, the visual impact of the track next to the new pavilion and the likelihood of increased antisocial behaviour and litter from young people. Councillor Panchaud proposed a completely new location for the track on land owned by Bloor homes. Ride Mendips responded that this location would be infeasible given funding deadlines.
21 September 2021
Planning application receives 100 comments of support from interested parties including from the Chief Executive of the Wessex Learning Trust, The Head of Fairlands Middle School, the President of Cheddar Rugby Club, The Chair of Cheddar Football Club, he Chair of Cheddar Youth Football Club and representative of local charity The Space. It also receives backing from Sport England and the Rugby Football Union who outline no issues with the design.
21 September 2021
Ride Mendips attend Cheddar Parish Council Planning meeting. Cheddar Parish Council vote to support the planning application.
For: Cllrs Anderson, Bradley-Balmer, Colton, Comber, Flack, Fontaine, Goodfellow, Kay, Male. (9)
Against: Cllrs Brown, Carter, C Fineran, P Fineran, Panchaud. (5)
22 September 2021
Cllr P Fineran lodges an objection with Sedgemoor District Council. This requires the planning application to be considered by Sedgemoor District Council planning committee on 12th October 2021.
12 October 2021
Planning permission granted. Sedgemoor District Council vote unanimously to approve planning application.
14 October 2021
Ride Mendips meet with Cheddar Parish Council clerk to arrange next steps including initiating the tender process for Cheddar Parish Council to officially appoint the contractor by the 9th of November.
06 December 2021
Ride Mendips and Cheddar Parish Council sign agreement relating to terms of project build and finances.
17 January 2022
Velosolutions begin building the Cheddar Pump Track. Aim to complete the build by late March and officially open early April.