On Wednesday 15th January 2020, Natural England submitted a compendium of reports to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs setting out proposals for improved access to the coast between Shotley Gate and Felixstowe Ferry. These proposals form part of a programme to establish a continuous walking route around England’s coastline, under the provisions of Part 9 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.
Natural England are now starting an eight week period during which owners, tenants or occupiers of any land affected by the proposed path and/or spreading room can make an objection about the proposals. Anyone else can make a representation. Any objections and representations will be sent to the Secretary of State and be used in the decision-making process.
Natural England have already discussed the proposal with landowners and will be informing them, along with people who live nearby, and a range of organisations.
Natural England advise that all representations and objections about the report must be received by midnight on Wednesday 11th March 2020.
The proposals consist of an Overview document together with five legally separate statutory reports with maps, each covering a single length of coast within the stretch relating to the proposed route. They also include a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) relating to any potential impact on the conservation objectives of European sites; and a Nature Conservation Assessment (NCA) which documents their conclusions in relation to other potential impacts on nature conservation.
There are relevant forms to be completed if people wish to make a representation or objection, along with some guidance notes to help with completing the forms.
Copies of the all the documents and forms will be available at the locations listed below or online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/england-coast-path-shotley-gate-to-felixstowe-ferry
Interested parties are also recommended to read Defra’s detailed guidance notes on making representations and objections about the report, which are also available online at:
www.gov.uk/guidance/england-coast-path-comment-on-a-proposed-new-stretch
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will make a decision about the report when all representations and objections have been considered.
Establishment of the new access arrangements will not begin until that decision is made.
Locations to view the reports in person
Copies of the reports may be viewed at the following locations:
| Location | Address | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| Ipswich County Library | Northgate Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 3DE | 01473 927260 |
| Felixstowe Library | Crescent Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 7BY | 01394 330850 |
| Harwich Library | Upper Kingsway, Dovercourt, Harwich, CO12 3JT | 0345 603 7628 |
| Suffolk County Council | Reception, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, IP1 2BX | 0345 606 6067 |