Natural England

Natural England today (14 February) unveiled its proposals for improving access to the English coast. Subject to the approval of its Board on 21 February, Natural England looks set to advise the Government to introduce legislation to create a new right of public access to England’s coastline along a continuous access corridor.

Natural England was asked by the Government to recommend how best to deliver its manifesto commitment to improve people’s access to the English coastline. Comprehensive rights do not currently exist, making access to the coastline difficult, or creating a stop-start effect, in many parts of the country. Since it was created last October, Natural England has re-consulted stakeholders and analysed the options.

Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England said: “We are minded to advise the Government to provide Natural England with the powers to deliver a new right of access to the coast. My Board will be recommended to approve proposals to create clear and well managed public access along the entire 4000 km length of England’s coast. This solution would enable us to focus our resources where they would make the maximum difference. Where existing access works well, we won’t intervene.”

Sir Martin continued, “We want to ensure the right balance between national momentum and local flexibility. Our solution would provide the public with continuous access along the length of the undeveloped English coast and land managers with the opportunity to be involved in designing sensible local solutions. We also want to enhance the coastal environment for both wildlife and the public. This integrated solution exemplifies why Natural England was created in the first place.”

Ends

A full copy of the proposals that will be considered by Natural England’s Board can be found on www.naturalengland.org.uk/about/board/feb07/default.htm.

For interviews, photographs or further information please contact the Natural England Press Office on 0845 6039953.

Notes for editors:

1. Natural England’s Board will consider the proposals at its meeting on 21 February.

2. Natural England’s final advice will be provided to Defra by the end of February.

3. The Government intends to consult on improving coastal access later this year.

4. Natural England has developed its advice in close dialogue with key stakeholder groups, including organisations representing land managers, user groups and nature conservation interests. Following an initial written consultation, Natural England hosted a workshop last November for stakeholder organisations to inform its advice.

5. The proposals to be considered by Natural England’s Board are as follows:

• The Government should legislate to create a new approach tailored to the circumstances of the coast. Legislation should create statutory powers for Natural England to align a coastal access corridor around the whole of the undeveloped English coast, to create access where it does not exist and improve it where it needs improving, and to repeat this process later on any stretch of coast where necessary.
• The access corridor would include new areas of spreading room along the coast, and could also formalise existing beach access.
• Natural England's powers would include undertaking any necessary establishment work on the ground, such as installing gates and bridges.
• All Natural England's powers would be exercised under a statutory methodology, approved by the Secretary of State. There would be a right of appeal against Natural England’s failure to act in accordance with that statutory methodology.
• Natural England would undertake nature conservation assessments as part of the planning process, to avoid significant damage to any features of importance.
• Natural England would undertake much of the planning and implementation through access authorities, where they were willing to take it on. We would do it ourselves where the access authority was unwilling to act. Natural England would fund the necessary work irrespective of who undertook it.
• Local solutions would be designed in consultation with local interests, including local access forums and land managers.
• Natural England estimates that this would require an implementation programme costing between £2m and £5m per year over a period of 10 years, within Natural England’s existing budget envelope. Work is continuing to refine this estimate.
• There should be a working presumption against paying compensation for public access along the undeveloped coast.
• The reduced level of occupiers' liability introduced for ‘access land’ under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act should also apply to coastal access.
• There is a need for complementary work, by Natural England and others, to enhance coastal landscapes and wildlife.

6. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.