More coastal access sparks safety fears
GREATER access to West Norfolk's stunning coastline could be offered to members of the public as part of new legislation proposed in the Government's draft Marine Bill.
The document, published on Thursday, includes proposals for a new long-distance pathway which, for the first time in history, will allow people to walk the entire length of England's coastline.
The bill will also see new marine conservation zones created to protect habitats and species of national importance, ensuring they are not damaged by fishing, dredging or other forms of development.
The Lynn News first reported plans for a coastal pathway in March last year, when it was revealed the move could have an impact on local landowners, including the royal estate at Sandringham, RSPB sites at Snettisham and Titchwell, Viscount Coke's Holkham Estate, the Royal West Norfolk Golf Club at Brancaster and the National Trust, which owns land at Brancaster Staithe.
The Ramblers' Association has already backed the draft bill, stating the move has been long-awaited and is "warmly welcome".
Janet Rose, chairman of Lynn Ramblers' Association, said: "We would welcome open access, but it is going to take some work, in terms of negotiation, in this area.
"You cannot walk all the coastal areas in West Norfolk and this would be good news."
But the idea has been questioned by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) in Norfolk, which has raised concerns about the safety aspects and cost of the move.
Director Nicola Currie said: "Opening up coastal land is not the problem per se – indeed with the long-distance footpaths already in place along the coast and the Fen rivers most land in the area is already open.
"The CLA's criticism is that the proposals ignore the fact country businesses and landowners would have their enterprises blighted and face increased risk of legal actions against them.
"In particular farmers will be facing greater liability for farm animals and for buildings which were never designed for public use.
"The Government intends to spend 50 million on the scheme over a decade, but compensation to landowners is not included in that sum.
"We fear, therefore, that the true cost of establishing an unbroken ribbon of access around the coast would be borne by landowners because these proposals simply would not compensate rural businesses for the loss in the value of their land and property."
A consultation period on the proposals has now been launched and is due to end on Thursday, June 26.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Thursday 09 February 2012
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