The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Isle of Wight) (No. 1) Order 2025
This Order establishes September 17, 2025, as the end date for the access preparation period for coastal margin land on the Isle of Wight.
The decision is based on approvals granted by the Secretary of State for proposals outlined in reports by Natural England concerning coastal access routes.
The Order cites the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 as its legal basis.
Arguments For
Improved Public Access: The order facilitates increased public access to coastal areas on the Isle of Wight, promoting recreation and enjoyment of the natural environment.
Legal Compliance: The Order fulfills the legal requirements of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, ensuring proper procedures are followed for establishing public access rights.
Support for Sustainable Tourism: The creation of new access routes can boost local tourism, benefitting local businesses and supporting the regional economy.
Environmental Stewardship: Properly managed access can contribute to environmental stewardship by educating the public about the importance of coastal protection and responsible recreation.
Arguments Against
Potential Environmental Impact: Increased public access could lead to environmental damage if not properly managed and monitored, such as habitat disturbance, erosion, or litter.
Landowner Concerns: Landowners may have concerns about the impact on their property and potential liability issues associated with increased public access.
Resource Allocation: Managing and maintaining access routes requires resources including manpower, funding, and signage. Inadequate resources could lead inefficiency.
Enforcement Challenges: Ensuring compliance with access regulations and addressing potential conflicts and anti-social behavior can present enforcement challenges.
- Citation, commencement and interpretation (1) This Order may be cited as the Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Isle of Wight) (No. 1) Order 2025 and comes into force on the day after the day on which it is made. (2) In this Order—“the Act” means the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 19492;“the relevant approvals” means the approval, by the Secretary of State3 under section 52(1) of the Act4 of the proposals contained in the—(a) England Coast Path Isle of Wight IOW5, Chilton Chine to Colwell Chine report on 6th April 2022;(b) England Coast Path Isle of Wight IOW9, Gurnard Luck to West Cowes Chain Ferry report on 5th May 2023;“the relevant reports” means the reports submitted by Natural England to the Secretary of State under sections 51 and 55A of the Act5 on 18th March 2020 6 entitled—(a) England Coast Path Isle of Wight IOW5, Chilton Chine to Colwell Chine report;(b) England Coast Path Isle of Wight IOW9, Gurnard Luck to West Cowes Chain Ferry report.
Section 1 details the order's title, effective date, and definitions.
It's officially named the Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Isle of Wight) (No. 1) Order 2025 and takes effect the day after its creation.
Key terms like "the Act" (referencing the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949), "relevant approvals" (Secretary of State's approvals), and "relevant reports" (Natural England's reports about specific coastal paths) are defined for clarity.
- End of access preparation period In relation to land which is coastal margin, as a result of the relevant approvals of the proposals contained in the relevant reports, the day appointed as the day on which the access preparation period7 ends, is 17th September 2025.
This section sets September 17, 2025, as the date the access preparation period ends for coastal areas.
This date is determined by the government's approval of Natural England's plans for coastal access routes.