Marine and Coastal Access Bill

ENPAA welcomes the publication of the Marine and Costal Access Bill and supports the vision, purpose and strategic objectives of the Bill. On the whole we think it is a positive step forward in protecting the marine environment. National Park Authorities are planning authorities and responsible for promoting access to help people appreciate and understand the special qualities found in National Parks. For five of the National Parks that includes a coastal environment. There are some changes we would like to see before this Bill becomes an Act of Parliament.

ENPAA believes that:

within National Parks, the Relevant Authority for giving directions relating to the exclusions and restrictions of access on coastal margin should be the National Park Authority, as under the CROW Act;
the mechanisms for funding the coastal access provisions in the Bill should be clarified to ensure that it is not provided at the expense of existing access provision;
funding must be available in perpetuity for the maintenance of the coastal route which is a dynamic environment;
compensation should be payable to anyone whose interest in land is depreciated or suffers damage by the introduction of the new coastal access rights;
cultural heritage issues are not adequately addressed in the provisions for Marine Conservation Zones;
a mechanism for recognising and protecting seascapes is needed; and
further clarity (probably through detailed guidance) is needed on how to achieve Integrated Coastal Zone Management in practice.