Cafeside MTB, a small currently closed bike park located on Haldon Hill near Exeter is making steady progress towards opening in 2025 despite setbacks on its original planning submission being rejected earlier in the winter. In summary lease negotiations with Forestry England are nearing completion, planning challenges are being addressed with expert advice, and preparations for trail building and insurance are underway. While the dedicated car park will be delayed, alternative parking solutions are being explored to allow for an earlier opening. Funding remains a key focus, with ongoing efforts to cover legal and planning costs. 

Lease Progress with Forestry England

Discussions with Forestry England regarding the lease are progressing well. Cafeside has now received the initial Heads of Terms, which will form the foundation of their lease agreement. The team is optimistic that the lease could be signed within weeks rather than months, marking a major milestone for the project.

To ensure everything is in order before signing, the team has been engaging with local solicitors for a legal review of the lease and working with insurance brokers to arrange coverage for trail building and riding activities.

Planning Updates and Next Steps

Following a disappointing planning decision before Christmas, Cafeside has spent January consulting with independent planning advisors recommended by the community. The key takeaway from these discussions is that the trails and features fall under permitted development. However, securing a Certificate of Lawful Use or Existing Development (CLUED) for the change of use will provide long-term planning security.

The advisors are confident in Cafeside’s case, and a second application is planned. Given that planning appeals can take up to a year, resubmitting a revised application appears to be the most viable route, despite the additional costs.

There is some good news regarding previous work: the Ecology Report commissioned for the car park planning application remains valid for three years. Once the CLUED application is approved, the team can resubmit their car park plans with minimal additional costs.

The 2025 Cafeside Plan

The goal is to have the lease signed, insurance in place, and initial dig (and test riding) days underway within the next two months. The aim is to have Cafeside open later in the year—ideally before summer, though this will depend on how quickly everything falls into place.

Initially, Cafeside will open without its dedicated car park, as the team is keen to avoid further delays. They are in discussions with local businesses to secure off-site parking options nearby. The final details of what “fully open” looks like will depend on insurance requirements around staffing and volunteering, with more information to be shared as things progress.

Support and Funding

Planning and legal fees remain a significant expense, with planning costs estimated at around £2,000 and legal fees yet to be determined but expected to be substantial. The team will soon assess what is financially feasible and greatly appreciates any support from the community. Contributions to their crowdfunding page, whether through donations or pre-purchasing day passes, will help bring Cafeside to life in 2025.

The team—Ben, Andy, James, Jake, Katie, and Katherine—extends their thanks to everyone who has supported them so far. With continued effort and community backing, Cafeside MTB is on track to become a reality this year.

For the latest updates and ways to support, stay tuned to Cafeside MTB’s channels.

Read: 113 times Published: 09/02/2025