The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Isle of Sheppey) (No. 1) Order 2025
This order establishes June 24, 2025, as the end date for the access preparation period for coastal margin land on the Isle of Sheppey.
The date follows the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's proposals, detailed in several reports, for creating a long-distance coastal path.
The order cites relevant sections of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 as its legal basis.
Arguments For
Improved Public Access: The order facilitates increased public access to the Isle of Sheppey's coastal margin, enhancing recreational opportunities and promoting community engagement with the natural environment.
Alignment with Existing Legislation: The order aligns with the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, providing a legal framework for managing coastal access.
Based on Thorough Assessment: Natural England's submitted proposals and reports underwent comprehensive review, ensuring that the designated access complies with environmental and safety standards.
Economic Benefits: Increased tourism and recreational activities resulting from improved coastal access can stimulate local economies and create job opportunities.
Arguments Against
Potential Environmental Impact: Increased foot traffic could negatively impact sensitive coastal ecosystems, requiring mitigation measures such as path maintenance and visitor management strategies.
Landowner Concerns: The designation of access could potentially raise concerns among landowners regarding liabilities and property rights, necessitating effective communication and resolution of potential issues.
Financial Implications: Implementing necessary infrastructure (e.g., path maintenance, signage) can strain local authorities' budgets and resources.
Enforcement Challenges: Ensuring compliance with access regulations and minimizing adverse impacts may prove challenging, especially in remote or less-accessible areas.
- Citation, commencement and interpretation (1) This Order may be cited as the Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Isle of Sheppey) (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 1949[2]; “the relevant approvals” means the approval, by the Secretary of State[3] under section 52(1) of the Act[4] of the proposals contained in the— (a) England Coast Path Isle of Sheppey IOS1, Kingsferry Bridge to Alsager Avenue, Rushenden report on 12thNovember 2020; (b) England Coast Path Isle of Sheppey IOS2, Alsager Avenue, Rushenden to Oak Lane, Minster report on 12thNovember 2020; (c) England Coast Path Isle of Sheppey IOS6, Warden Road, Warden Point to Isle of Harty (east) report on 12thNovember 2020; (d) England Coast Path Isle of Sheppey IOS7, Isle of Harty (east) to Mocketts, Isle of Harty (west) report on 12thNovember 2020; (e) England Coast Path Isle of Sheppey IOS8, Mocketts, Isle of Harty (west) to Windmill Creek report on 12thNovember 2020; (f) England Coast Path Isle of Sheppey IOS9, Windmill Creek to Ferry Road report on 12thNovember 2020; (g) England Coast Path Isle of Sheppey IOS10, Ferry Road to Swale Station via Kingsferry Bridge report on 12thNovember 2020. “the relevant reports” means the reports, submitted by Natural England to the Secretary of State under sections 51 and 55A of the Act[5] on 22nd January 2020 [6] entitled— (a) England Coast Path Isle of Sheppey IOS1, Kingsferry Bridge to Alsager Avenue, Rushenden; (b) England Coast Path Isle of Sheppey IOS2, Alsager Avenue, Rushenden to Oak Lane, Minster; (c) England Coast Path Isle of Sheppey IOS6, Warden Road, Warden Point to Isle of Harty (east); (d) England Coast Path Isle of Sheppey IOS7, Isle of Harty (east) to Mocketts, Isle of Harty (west); (e) England Coast Path Isle of Sheppey IOS8, Mocketts, Isle of Harty (west) to Windmill Creek; (f) England Coast Path Isle of Sheppey IOS9, Windmill Creek to Ferry Road; (g) England Coast Path Isle of Sheppey IOS10, Ferry Road to Swale Station via Kingsferry Bridge.
This section provides the order's title, effective date, and defines key terms.
The order's title is the "Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Isle of Sheppey) (No. 1) Order 2025." It takes effect the day after its creation.
It defines "the Act" as the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, and "the relevant approvals" as the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's proposals for coastal access paths on the Isle of Sheppey. "The relevant reports" are defined as Natural England's reports submitted to the Secretary of State detailing these proposals.
- 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 period[7] ends is 24th June 2025.
This section sets June 24, 2025, as the end date for the access preparation period for coastal margin land.
This date is linked to the approval of Natural England's proposals for coastal access paths on the Isle of Sheppey, as detailed in their submitted reports.