Applications for both the Bay of Fires Descent and the St Helens Stacked Loop Network will go before council to be decided on at Monday’s meeting.

An assessment of the two applications was undertaken by the West Tamar Council as an independent body.

Council officer James Ireland recommended both applications be approved subject to conditions.

Some conditions included road signage being installed as detailed in a traffic impact assessment, warning signage to be added for cyclists on road crossing approaches at Gardens Road and Ansons Road, a soil and water management plan to be submitted, and, a phytophthora bike washing station be installed.

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Tenders for both trails were first advertised on July 14, and closed August 9.

A total of 29 representations, with five in support, had been received for the application for the Bay of Fires Descent.

A total of 25 had been received for the Stacked Loop trails with six in support.

Some environmental concerns were raised in the representations over the spread of phytophthora, the disturbance of sea eagles,  impacts on threatened species, and a loss of biodiversity.

Representations in support highlighted the economic, tourism, and health benefits that could stem from the mountain bike trails.