WIREDGOV

Proposals for an improved coastal access route between Sea Palling and Weybourne are published for consultation today, 15th October, marking the first stages of the England Coast Path in Norfolk. The scheme was set in motion by the Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009, which commits to creating a continuous and enhanced walking route around the entire English coastline.

Natural England has published draft proposals for the route to be created along 41km of coast to provide improved levels of access for local residents and visitors where they can walk, rest and admire the view.

The proposed route will run through parts of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and incorporate the popular coastal towns and villages of Mundesley, Cromer and Sheringham. It passes through a variety of coastal habitats and scenery including the sandy beaches at Sea Palling, rolling arable farmland and along the soft cliff tops found further west, which are important for their geological interest. Coastal Access legislation will enable the footpath to automatically move inland or ‘roll back’, if the route is lost to erosion for example, which means that the new route would be secure into the future.

Natural England and Norfolk County Council have met landowners to ‘walk the course’ and discuss where the new route could go. Discussions have also been held with other interested groups and stakeholders. Draft proposals for the route are now open to everyone for formal consultation and Natural England invites comments from all interested parties including farmers, residents, businesses and people who use the area for recreation. Feedback will help to shape the final proposals for the route and ensure that local issues are addressed.

Copies of the draft proposals and comment forms will be available online at www.naturalengland.org.uk/coastalaccess and will be displayed at the following locations during the consultation period:

Four drop in sessions have also been arranged for people to meet advisors from Natural England and Norfolk County Council, to view and discuss maps of the draft proposals and submit views

• Saturday 20th October, 10am to 12noon, Stalham Library

• Thursday 25th October, 5pm to 7pm, Sheringham Library

• Tuesday 30th October, 10am to 12noon, Cromer Library

• Tuesday 30th October, 2pm to 4pm, Mundesley Library

Sarah Wilson, Area Manager for Natural England said; “We have had discussions with landowners and key organisations along the proposed route. Their input has been essential and helped shape the draft proposals, and we thank everyone for their time and input so far. Over the next twelve weeks we are inviting all organisations, farmers, local residents, visitors and businesses to have their say. It’s important that all responses are taken into account and we look forward to hearing people’s views.”

The public consultation period will last 12 weeks, closing at 5pm on Friday 11th January 2013. The comments will be reviewed and Natural England will produce final proposals which will be submitted to the Secretary of State for approval. Once approval has been received and any establishment works are complete the new right of public access will come into force.

The first stretch of coastal access was approved in Weymouth earlier this year, which was opened on the 29th June and in time for people to view the sailing events for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 2012 will also see work continue to deliver other stretches of improved coastal access in Durham, Cumbria, Kent, Somerset and Dorset.

Notes to Editors:

About coastal access and England’s coastal path

For further information (media only) contact: Lyndon Marquis 0300 060 4236, lyndon.marquis@naturalengland.org.uk, out of hours 07970 098005.