The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Newquay to Penzance) (No. 2) Order 2025
This order establishes June 4th, 2025, as the end of the access preparation period for the coastal margin section of the England Coast Path between Newquay and Penzance.
This decision follows the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's proposals, detailed in several reports submitted in 2019 and 2020.
The order cites 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 coastal path, promoting recreation and enjoyment of the natural environment.
Completion of Coastal Path Project: It marks a significant step in finalizing a section of the England Coast Path, fulfilling a commitment to provide a continuous walking route.
Legal Basis: The order is made under the powers granted by section 3A(10) of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, providing a solid legal foundation for the actions taken.
Environmental Benefits: Increased use of the coastal path encourages stewardship of the environment and promotes eco-tourism, generating local economic benefits.
Arguments Against
Potential for Environmental Damage: Increased footfall could lead to footpath erosion and damage to sensitive habitats.
Impact on Landowners: Some landowners may experience increased disturbance or constraints on their land use.
Insufficient Consultation: Concerns may arise about the adequacy of consultation with affected stakeholders before implementing the changes to access.
Resource Management: Managing increased visitors might stretch local authority resources related to maintenance, parking, and waste disposal.
Citation, commencement and interpretation 1.
(1) This Order may be cited as the Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Newquay to Penzance) (No. 2) 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 Newquay to Penzance NQP3, St Agnes Head to Gwithian report on 18th August 2020;
(b) England Coast Path Newquay to Penzance NQP4, Gwithian to Clodgy Point report on 18th August 2020;
(c) England Coast Path Newquay to Penzance NQP5, Clodgy Point to Pendeen Watch report on 6th March 2020;
(d) England Coast Path Newquay to Penzance NQP6, Pendeen Watch to Land’s End report on 6th March 2020;
(e) England Coast Path Newquay to Penzance NQP7, Land’s End to Carn Barges report on 18th August 2020;
(f) England Coast Path Newquay to Penzance NQP8, Carn Barges to Penzance Station report on 18th August 2020;
“the relevant reports” means the reports, submitted by Natural England to the Secretary of State under sections 51 and 55A of the Act5 on 20th June 20196 entitled—
(a) England Coast Path Newquay to Penzance NQP3, St Agnes Head to Gwithian;
(b) England Coast Path Newquay to Penzance NQP4, Gwithian to Clodgy Point;
(c) England Coast Path Newquay to Penzance NQP5, Clodgy Point to Pendeen Watch;
(d) England Coast Path Newquay to Penzance NQP6, Pendeen Watch to Land’s End;
(e) England Coast Path Newquay to Penzance NQP7, Land’s End to Carn Barges;
(f) England Coast Path Newquay to Penzance NQP8, Carn Barges to Penzance Station.
Section 1 defines the order's title and effective date.
It also clarifies the meaning of key terms used, including 'the Act' (referencing the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949), and defines 'the relevant approvals' and 'the relevant reports,' specifying each report by name and date.
These definitions are crucial for understanding the context and actions of the order.
End of access preparation period 2.
In relation to land which is coastal margin, as a result of the relevant approvals of the relevant reports, the day appointed as the day on which the access preparation period7 ends is 4th June 2025.
Section 2 sets June 4th, 2025, as the official end date for the preparatory period for public access to the coastal margin areas.
This date is linked directly to the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's assessment reports regarding coastal access.
This is the order's main action.