The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey) Order 2025
This order sets September 24, 2025, as the end of the access preparation period for coastal land between Felixstowe Ferry and Bawdsey.
The decision follows the approval by the Secretary of State of Natural England's proposals, detailed in six reports, under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
The order cites the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 as its legal basis and clarifies terms and definitions used in the approval process.
Copies of the Secretary of State’s notices of approval are available online and through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Arguments For
Improved Public Access: The order facilitates increased public access to the coastal margin between Felixstowe Ferry and Bawdsey, promoting recreation and enjoyment of the natural environment.
Legal Compliance: The order fulfills the requirements of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, ensuring adherence to established legislation regarding access to the countryside.
Economic Benefits: Increased tourism and recreational activities in the area can generate economic benefits for local communities, potentially leading to job creation and business growth.
Environmental Stewardship: This decision follows an environmental impact assessment, demonstrating a commitment to balancing public access with environmental protection.
Arguments Against
Potential Environmental Impact: Increased foot traffic could lead to habitat damage, erosion, and disturbance of wildlife in sensitive coastal areas.
Infrastructure Challenges: Adequate infrastructure, such as pathways and parking, may be insufficient to accommodate increased visitor numbers, potentially leading to overcrowding and environmental degradation.
Landowner Concerns: Landowners might express concerns about increased liability or disruption to their private property due to public access.
Alternative Approaches: Further investigation may uncover alternative approaches that balance public access with mitigating potential environmental and practical challenges.
- Citation and commencement and interpretation (1) This Order may be cited as the Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey) 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 Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey FFB1, Felixstowe Ferry to Sandy Lane, Waldringfield report on 7th May 2024; (b) England Coast Path Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey FFB2, Sandy Lane, Waldringfield to Kyson Point report on 5th May 2023; (c) England Coast Path Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey FFB3, Kyson Point to Wilford Bridge report on 5th May 2023; (d) England Coast Path Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey FFB4, Wilford Bridge to Ferry Cliff report on 7th May 2024; (e) England Coast Path Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey FFB5, Ferry Cliff to Ramsholt report on 7th May 2024; (f) England Coast Path Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey FFB6, Ramsholt to Bawdsey Quay report on 7th May 2024; “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 9th December 2020 [6] entitled— (a) England Coast Path Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey FFB1, Felixstowe Ferry to Sandy Lane, Waldringfield; (b) England Coast Path Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey FFB2, Sandy Lane, Waldringfield to Kyson Point; (c) England Coast Path Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey FFB3, Kyson Point to Wilford Bridge; (d) England Coast Path Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey FFB4, Wilford Bridge to Ferry Cliff; (e) England Coast Path Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey FFB5, Ferry Cliff to Ramsholt; (f) England Coast Path Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey FFB6, Ramsholt to Bawdsey Quay.
This section establishes the order's title, effective date (the day after it's made), and defines key terms. 'The Act' refers to the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. 'Relevant approvals' denote the Secretary of State's approval of proposals detailed in six reports. 'Relevant reports' specify reports submitted by Natural England to the Secretary of State, covering different segments of the Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey coastal path.
- 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 September 2025.
This section sets September 24, 2025, as the end of the access preparation period for coastal margin land.
This date is determined by the Secretary of State's approval of the proposals outlined in the previously defined relevant reports concerning coastal access improvements.
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