Natural England has published proposals to improve public access to a 33 mile stretch of coast between Hunstanton and Sutton Bridge, which extends around The Wash.
There is now a period of eight weeks for members of the public and landowners to make objections or representations to the Secretary of State that he must take into account when considering whether to approve the scheme.
Commenting on the proposals, James said:
Opening up coastal routes like this would not only brings us closer to nature, but would also boost our local economy and encourage more visitors come to enjoy this beautiful part of Norfolk.
I encourage local residents, farmers, landowners, organisations, and others to take this opportunity to share their views on the proposals for the final stretch of the England Coast path to be developed in Norfolk to make sure we make the most of this opportunity.
This proposed route would become part of the England Coast Path – a 2,700-mile-long route and England’s newest National Trail and will help us all to make the most of living near one of the UK's most beautiful coastlines. From family days on the sandy beaches at Hunstanton, Heacham and Snettisham, to visiting historic sites like the King's Lynn quays or enjoying the peace and tranquillity of bird-watching on The Wash mudflats, the proposed trail should bring people closer to nature.
The proposed trail is located in areas of international wildlife value, and bird watchers will particularly enjoy The Wash National Nature Reserve and the RSPB reserve at Snettisham. The proposals will also create seven miles of new access between the RSPB reserve at Snettisham and King’s Lynn. This remote area will inspire walkers with the scale of the flat open landscape and huge skies found between The Wash and arable fields.
From King’s Lynn, the trail uses the existing Peter Scott Way: a local trail which extends into Lincolnshire and was named in honour of Sir Peter Scott, the famous naturalist. The trail also goes past the lighthouse near Sutton Bridge, where he lived.
Anyone may make representations to Natural England about the reports during the eight-week period. Owners and occupiers of affected land may make objections about the reports on specified grounds, which will be considered by a planning inspector before the Secretary of State makes a final decision.
All representations and objections must be received by Natural England no later than midnight on 20 January 2021. The full reports and all the forms and guidance on how to make a representation or objection within the next eight weeks, are available on GOV.UK.
