In the interests of sustainability, please view and/or print this document from the PDFs below. Since the size of the whole Scheme is rather large (6MB - 160 pages with full-colour photos, maps and diagrams), it may take a while to download. We therefore recommend that people view and print the Scheme using the individual pdf chapters. Please wait until the pdf has stopped downloading before viewing or printing.
For anyone who is unable to do this, we hold a small number of printed copies of this publication. If you would like a printed copy, or you need a copy in an alternative format, please contact: nathan.eaton@naturalengland.org.uk
Part 9 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 requires Natural England to implement improved access to the English coast. Our local recommendations on this must be in accordance with a Scheme (methodology) devised by us and approved by the Secretary of State.
Development of the Scheme has been informed by extensive research, ground truthing and ongoing discussion with our key stakeholders. This Consultation Version builds on the outline and draft versions of the Scheme we previously published in April and December 2008. It sets out the key principles on which we will base our access proposals at the local level, and illustrates how these principles will be applied in the main coastal scenarios. It explains the alignment approach on both the open coast and estuaries, and gives examples of potential alignments in sample coastal situations.
Once the consultation closes, we will finalise the Scheme in the light of responses, and submit it to the Secretary of State for approval. Implementation can only properly begin once this approval has been given.
To respond to the public consultation on the Scheme, please submit comments on the online response form by 6pm on 5th February 2010.
For information: Chapters 9 and 11 contain map illustrations and are larger files so may take a short while to download.