PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE
The Sherford Consortium has applied for a short section of public highway to be permanently closed. Known as 'Road Past Vealeholme', the piece of road is 282 metres long and runs between Main Street in Sherford and Plympton Hill. This proposal is intended to take pressure off existing rural roads and neighbouring communities, while still providing options for local travel.
The decision to bring forward this proposal has been taken for two main reasons.
Firstly, it responds to concerns raised by residents and representatives from the neighbouring community regarding traffic travelling to, from or through Sherford, and the impact this has on roads in Plympton St Maurice. Detailed traffic assessments have been undertaken, and a range of traffic calming options have been carefully considered in consultation with the Local Authorities.
Closing the shortest part of the existing cut-through between Sherford and Plympton will encourage motorists to use alternative routes that connect into the wider road network. This includes travelling via Deep Lane, rather than through rural roads. With planned improvements at Deep Lane – including road widening and the creation of a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge – it is anticipated that the route will be better positioned to accommodate traffic safely and efficiently.
Secondly, essential works are required in this area to divert the gas pipeline and overhead cables ahead of the construction of Phase 4 of Sherford. Bringing these works forward enables us to make the difficult but necessary decision to enforce a road closure now that was required in due course, and allows the works to progress.
The proposed closure will affect all road users, including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders. All homes, farms and businesses adjoining Plympton Hill will remain accessible, with no changes proposed to Ridge Road or Vinery Lane. However, journeys from Sherford to these properties – including to Plants Galore and Vealeholm Farm – will need to be made using alternative routes rather than the existing cut-through.
As the proposal involves the stopping-up of a public highway, a formal road stopping-up order is required. This decision sits with the Secretary of State for Transport and an application has been submitted. A consultation period will take place from Monday 23 February 2026 for 28 days. Public Notices will be displayed in a prominent position at each end of the highway to be stopped up.
Anyone with questions about the proposals is encouraged to contact info@sherford.uk
