16-11-09 - FARMERS SHOULD SAFEGUARD THEIR RIGHTS AS COASTAL FOOTPATH ACCESS ANNOUNCED

Farmers and landowners along the North East coast should act quickly to ascertain if any of their land will be directly affected by plans from Natural England to create a coastal footpath around the country says Hexham based chartered surveyors, Youngs.

Partner Simon Rowarth comments; “Having previously worked with a number of landowners in connection with the establishment of the Hadrian’s Wall national trail, early negotiation with Natural England representatives is vital for affected landowners, if the many problems associated with public access and the construction of a scheme such as this are to be minimised, and the least invasive route negotiated.”

When the Marine and Coastal Access Bill receives Royal assent today it will provide the means to establish a path around the entire English coastline. The 2,748 mile route will cross privately owned beaches, golf courses and fields. Thanks to last minute amendments, farmers and landowners will now be given the right of appeal over the positioning of the route, and with regard to management issues although more exact details have yet to be confirmed.

The entire route will cover 2,748 miles of which suitable footpaths are estimated by Natural England to already exist for some 1,827 miles. It is understood that here in the North East up to 33 per cent of the route may need to be negotiated in order to create access deemed by Natural England to be satisfactory and legally secure for the public to walk. Consequently potentially large areas of land could be affected in both coastal Northumberland and County Durham.

Simon Rowarth says, “If you are going to give the general public rights of access over private land, you have to expect some resistance. For those farmers and landowners directly affected, who have good reason to want the route changed, it is vital to start immediately to build a good case as this is likely to be a lengthy and involved procedure. But even for those who just need to find a workable solution, past experience shows that professional advice in handling the many associated issues such as fencing, signage, stiles and access maintenance, can prove hugely beneficial in minimising costs and reducing the general level of disturbance to daily farming practices.”

“Whilst undoubtedly this project will be seen by some as a daunting prospect, our experience over the establishment of the Hadrian’s Wall trail shows that, on balance, the experience can have many positive benefits. Once the practicalities of establishing the path had been satisfactorily addressed, farmers and landowners along the Wall proved themselves quick to embrace the numerous diversification opportunities which the resulting boom in the tourist trade has helped to create.”

“But even where welcomed by farmers and landowners, public access brings to the fore many issues requiring careful consideration including insurance and health and safety. Ultimately a project such as this can only succeed by gaining the co operation of all concerned. Those who are pro active in joining together and entering into the discussions are the ones who will achieve the most beneficial solutions,” he suggests.