The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe) (No. 1) Order 2025
This order establishes June 4th, 2025, as the end of the access preparation period for the England Coast Path from Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe.
The decision is based on approvals granted by the Secretary of State for proposals outlined in Natural England reports addressing coastal access along this route.
The order cites relevant acts of Parliament and provides details of the reports and approvals.
Arguments For
Improved Public Access: The Order facilitates the opening of the England Coast Path between Kimmeridge Bay and Highcliffe, increasing public access to coastal areas.
Alignment with Existing Legislation: The Order operates within the framework of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, ensuring legal consistency.
Environmental Protection: Natural England's reports incorporated potential environmental impacts, and the Secretary of State approval, in relation to this stretch of coast, ensures a balance between access and environmental protection.
Economic Benefits: Increased tourism and recreational activities in the area could deliver positive economic effects for local communities.
Arguments Against
Potential Environmental Damage: Increased footfall might lead to environmental degradation, despite Natural England's reports and assessments.
Landowner Concerns: The impact on private landowners, particularly regarding potential disruption or damage to their property, may not have been fully considered.
Resource Demands: Managing increased access, including maintaining paths and addressing any incidents, could place demands on local authorities and emergency services.
Inadequate Consultation: Insufficient engagement with local stakeholders, including residents and businesses, might lead to dissatisfaction and conflict.
- Citation, commencement and interpretation (1) This Order may be cited as the Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe) (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 Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe Chapter 1, Kimmeridge Bay to Winspit report on 6thApril 2022; (b) England Coast Path Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe Chapter 2, Winspit to Peveril Point report on 6thApril 2022; (c) England Coast Path Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe Chapter 3, Peveril Point to Shep’s Hollow report on 6thApril 2022; (d) England Coast Path Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe Chapter 4, Shep’s Hollow to South Haven Point report on 6thApril 2022. “the relevant reports” means the reports, submitted by Natural England to the Secretary of State under sections 51 and 55A of the Act5 on 21st June 20176 entitled— (a) England Coast Path Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe Chapter 1, Kimmeridge Bay to Winspit; (b) England Coast Path Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe Chapter 2, Winspit to Peveril Point report on 6th April 2022; (c) England Coast Path Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe Chapter 3, Peveril Point to Shep’s Hollow report on 6th April 2022; (d) England Coast Path Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe Chapter 4, Shep’s Hollow to South Haven Point report on 6th April 2022.
This section establishes the order's title and effective date.
It also defines key terms, including 'the Act' (referencing the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949), 'relevant approvals' (referencing the Secretary of State's approvals of Natural England's proposals), and 'relevant reports' (specifying reports submitted by Natural England and their titles).
- 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 4th June 2025.
This section sets June 4th, 2025, as the official end date for the access preparation period.
This period relates to coastal areas, and the date is determined by the Secretary of State's approvals of proposals detailed in Natural England's reports.