Plans for a cycle path in Gower, appealed by more than 2,000 people, have been rejected. A planning inspector appointed by the Welsh Government has ruled that the proposed development on Clyne Common, from Bishopston to Myalls, infringes on the rights of ordinary people and would be detrimental to nature and landscape conservation.

It’s the same route that received £1.28 million from the Welsh Government earlier this year. The path, designed by Swansea City Council, would be for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders and would run along the B4436 from Bishopston to the top of Mayals Road, which runs down to the seafront. Council bosses said they are now planning to redesign it.

Bishopston councilor Lyndon Jones said he was disappointed with the inspector’s decision as there was overwhelming support for the path locally. “We had two public meetings full of people who support him,” he said. “More than 2,000 people signed a petition in support. It is dangerous to cycle or walk on Klein Common. This is what is really needed. “People are asking for it.” Cllr Jones assessed there were “a handful” of objectors and believed the council leaders who implemented the plans were “exemplary”. He added that a small shared-use section has recently been created from Bishopston Comprehensive School to the B4436, pending construction of the main section.

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Last November, the council asked the Welsh Government, under the Communities Act 2006, to build a 3m wide road with 1.5m shoulders on each side. The track surface will be made from rubber from approximately 17,000 recycled tires. The existing fence post will be set back 7 meters to create a safety lane for the animals.

A statement from the council said the Gower Commoners’ Association supported the plan, although it said one commoner had objected. Documents released as part of the planning decision say a commoners’ association raised concerns, which the council responded to. The authority also responded to the objections and observations of the Gower Society.

Planning inspector Vicky Hurst said key issues to be considered include the rights of ordinary people, public access rights and the impact of the trail on nature and landscape conservation. Her report states that some 59 commoners had rights-primarily grazing rights-to use the 1,858 acres and that sheep, horses and cows were grazing there at the time of her visit.

It was concluded that this route would result in a total loss of land, albeit small, and that three hectares of habitat would also be lost at the identified site of conservation interest, with potential direct and indirect impacts on heathland, hedgerows and pastureland. . He added that the proximity of the shared path to the B4436 would improve its visual impact and “lead to the effect of development in the shared open space”.

Hirst said the plan would benefit the public, who she said have the right to use the common space “for ventilation and exercise”, and would provide a safer route for cyclists and pedestrians between Mayalls and Bishopston than is currently the case. “I give these issues considerable weight,” her report said. “However, such benefits must be weighed against any harms associated with the proposal. In this specific case, I consider the impact on the rights of ordinary people and on the conservation of nature and landscape to be convincing.”

The council said it has no plans to appeal the decision, but added: “We remain committed to creating a much-needed pedestrian and cycle route through the high street. “We will seek to re-engage with stakeholders to agree a scheme that takes into account the concerns and issues raised.”

Swansea Bay cycling campaign group Wheelrights said it was greatly inspired by the efforts of the people of Bishopston to build a new shared path. “So imagine our surprise to discover that the council’s plan had been abandoned by a Welsh Government-appointed inspector,” he said. “The safety benefits for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as the reduction in air pollution and car use, appear completely invisible to the inspector.” Wheelwright hoped a revised plan could be offered in the near future.

Peter Lanphear, chairman of the Gower Residents’ Association, said the inspection report reflected their concerns and the group planned to speak to the council soon about the decision and what might happen next. “We support the bike lane plan,” he said. “Our problem was design.”