Natural England has today Thursday 26th March published its formal proposals to improve public access along a 111 km stretch of coast between Filey Brigg in North Yorkshire and Newport Bridge in Middlesbrough. If approved, this route will become part of the England Coast Path and will traverse a section of the North Yorkshire and Teesside coastline.
The England Coast Path is the new long distance National Trail that will allow people to walk 4,500km around the whole of the English Coast. Natural England are working to complete the route in five years and have recently published a map which shows where and when coastal access will be improved.
This is the first time proposals have been published for the route in Yorkshire and it is the longest section of coast path to be developed so far. The first north east section of the England Coast Path was opened last April, running along 55 kilometres of coastline between North Gare in Hartlepool and South Bents in Sunderland.
There is now a period of eight weeks for legal interests and members of the public to make objections or representations that the Secretary of State must take into account when considering whether to approve the proposals. The full report and all the forms and guidance on how to make a representation or objection will be available on Natural England’s coastal webpages.
All representations and objections must be received by Natural England no later than 5pm on the 21st May.
Natural England’s Area Manager David Shaw said; “We have had discussions with landowners and key organisation along the proposed route; their input has been essential and helped shape the draft proposals – we thank everyone for their time and input so far. Over the next eight weeks, we are inviting all organisations, farmers, local residents, visitors and businesses to have their say. It’s important that all responses are taken into account and we look forward to hearing people’s views.”
