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Natural England has published its final proposals to improve public access along a 59km stretch of coast in Kent between Folkestone and Ramsgate.

there is an eight week period for landowners and occupiers to make objections and the public to make representations on the proposals. These must be taken into account by the Secretary of State when considering whether to approve this new stretch of access.

If approved, this route will become part of the England Coast Path – the long distance walking route being developed around the entire English coast. It will traverse a stunning section of Kent’s undulating coastline which goes from sea level at the Sandwich Peninsula with its sweeping panoramic views, right up to 110 metres (350 feet) on top of Shakespeare Cliff and including the famous White Cliffs of Dover – immortalised in song.

The route is the result of in-depth discussions with landowners, partners, stakeholders and members of the public – and is also designed to integrate with other major projects in the area, such as the new flood banks along the River Stour near Sandwich. Existing pathways, like the Saxon Shore Way, Stour Valley Walk, Thanet Coastal Path and the North Downs Way National Trail, are incorporated into the proposals where possible – with the aim of clarifying access rights to the less well-known areas of the Stour Estuary and Sandwich Peninsula.

As well as recommending new sections to the route, the report outlines improvements to existing access to the coast between Folkestone and Ramsgate, with proposals: 

• to identify a clear and continuous way-marked walking route along this part of the coast, bringing some sections of the existing coastal footpath closer to the sea and linking some places together for the first time;

•  to allow the route to ‘roll back’ if the coastline erodes or slips, solving the long-standing difficulties of maintaining a continuous route along the coast;  and

• to secure legal rights of public access for the first time to the area’s beaches.

Anyone can make representations to Natural England about the report during the eight week period which commences today. Owners and occupiers of affected land can make objections about the report on specified grounds, which will be considered by a Planning Inspector before the Secretary of State makes a final decision.

Jim Seymour, Natural England’s Area Manager for Kent, said: “The proposals published today are the result of two years’ detailed work carried out in partnership with Kent County Council talking with landowners, partners, stakeholders and members of the public. We are extremely grateful for everyone’s effort and contribution.”

He continued: “These proposals present a great opportunity to improve and enhance access to a wonderful stretch of Kent’s coastline. We are excited about these improvements and look forward to seeing people’s representations about them over the next eight weeks, before the Secretary of State begins to consider them.”

Cllr Mike Hill, Kent County Council’s portfolio holder for Community Services, said: “We are delighted in the progress being made and hope that everyone will support these proposals. They can bring real social and health benefits to local communities, as well as contributing to the local economy and helping to attract visitors to Kent and its iconic white cliffs." 

All representations and objections must be received by Natural England no later than 5.00 p.m. on Sunday 22 December 2013.

Copies of the report can be viewed in council offices and libraries along the coast between Folkestone and Ramsgate. The full report and all the forms and guidance on how to make a representation or an objection are also available on our Coastal Access pages.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Press office contact details

Natural England press office
Michelle Hawkins / 0300 060 1109 / michelle.hawkins@naturalengland.org.uk

Kent County Council press office
Murray Edwards / 01622 694 177 / Murray.Evans@kent.gov.uk

2. Legislation

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 places a duty on the Secretary of State and Natural England to secure a long distance walking trail around the open coast of England, together with public access rights to a wider area of land along the way for people to enjoy.

The England Coast Path will be a new long distance National Trail that will eventually allow people to walk 4,500km around the whole of the English Coast. In addition to Kent, Natural England is also currently working to deliver coastal access in several other locations around the country:

• Cumbria

• Dorset

• Norfolk

• North East / Yorkshire and the Humber

• Somerset

The first stretch of coastal access was approved in Weymouth last year, and was opened in time for people to view the sailing events for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.