Natural England

Natural England’s Board today (21 February) agreed new proposals for a 4,500 km continuous corridor of clear and well managed public access along the entire length of England’s coast.

Natural England will advise Government to introduce legislation to create a new right of public access to England’s coastline. Natural England would then fill the gaps in existing access and make improvements where necessary.

Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England said: “The principle is clear: the public should have consistent and secure access around their coastline.

“Under our proposals, local communities would have a vital role to play in creating the coastal access corridor in their area. Careful discussion with land managers and local interests is central to making this new right work for everyone.”

Rather than compensation, Natural England is proposing extending the use of grant aid to land managers to produce environmental improvements around the coast, for example by rolling back intensive agriculture from the cliff top.

“We think this approach will be a multiple win – for the environment, for the land managers who will receive new income for taking alternative approaches, and for increased enjoyment of our coastal wildlife and landscapes by the public,” Sir Martin added.

In places the new access right would embrace larger areas, such as headlands, viewpoints and beaches and the route around the coast will be clearly signed to provide clarity and safety.

Ends

Notes for editors:

1. 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 along 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. Final advice will be put to Defra by the end of February.

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

3. 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.

4. Natural England’s proposals 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.

5. 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.

A full copy of the proposals can be found at: 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, or email pressoffice@naturalengland.org.uk.