100% public access to England’s coastline announced
100% public access to England’s coastline announced but what about landowners’ access to compensation?
In a Defra press release today (19th June 2007), David Miliband announced plans to allow public access the whole of England’s coastline, including coves and beaches that are currently private.
At present approximately 70% of England’s coastline is accessible, but if the recommendations go ahead, the entire coast could be open to the public by 2017.
Aside from the unwanted intrusion on private land, and issues in relation to owners’ liabilities, this news raises the question as to what compensation will be available for landowners.
The options being considered by Defra are:
- Use existing rights of way legislation to create a footpath all round the coast.
- Extend open access using the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to give access to types of land which are coastal e.g. beach, dunes, cliffs etc.
- Voluntary agreements with landowners using existing mechanisms such as those for agri-environment schemes.
- New legislation to allow Natural England to designate a coastal corridor providing a continuous route of access along the coast.
Defra is seeking public views on these four options, with the deadline for responses set at 11 September 2007.
Landowners affected by the proposals would be wise to take action early, however there is already suspicion that this consultation will simply play lip service to the concerns of private landowners, and there is no intention of paying any compensation.
In his announcement, David Miliband expressed the view that “We are an island nation. The coast is our birthright and everyone should be able to enjoy it.”
David Fursdon, President of the CLA has voiced his concern over this matter, saying “we fear that this consultation will end up being about taking rights without compensation and nothing more”.
For further information, contact Caroline Green in our Ashby office on 01530 412821.
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