News

Delay in programme for coastal access

19th July 2006

Landscape Minister Barry Gardiner today announced a change in the timetable for work on ways to improve access to the English coast.

In a written statement to Parliament, Mr Gardiner said: "In July 2005 Defra asked the Countryside Agency, working with English Nature and the Rural Development Service, to advise the Government on ways to improve access to the English coast. We asked for that advice to be provided by the end of July 2006 in advance of the publication of a consultation document in October this year.

"I have now decided that in view of Natural England assuming responsibility from the Countryside Agency in this area in October this year, Natural England should take forward the work which the Countryside Agency, English Nature and the Rural Development Service have carried out on coastal access. I am today announcing that I have asked the Natural England Board to come forward with its recommendations on coastal access to the Government before the end of December this year. In line with these changes I am proposing that the public consultation should now be issued in early 2007."

Source: Defra