Changes to access legislation 'should not place extra cost, burden or liability on farmers'

The consultation explores the potential for simpler, more integrated, legislation on access to the outdoors and public rights of way and sets out a series of options for consideration
The consultation explores the potential for simpler, more integrated, legislation on access to the outdoors and public rights of way and sets out a series of options for consideration

Changes to access legislation in Wales should not place any additional cost, burden or liability on farmers and landowners according to NFU Cymru in its recent response to the Welsh Government’s consultation on access.

The consultation explores the potential for simpler, more integrated, legislation on access to the outdoors and public rights of way and sets out a series of options for consideration. Options include reform of current procedures to make the administration of current access legislation easier; removing restrictions on the range of activities that can take place on rights of way and on access land; revising access to permit recreation activities in new areas. There is also a proposal for an entirely new access settlement in Wales which would allow much greater use of the land for responsible recreation.

Rural Affairs Board Chairman Bernard Llewellyn said, “NFU Cymru recognises that reforms are needed to access legislation to allow for modernisation of the public rights of way network through a process of prioritisation and rationalisation. The current system does not take into account modern day farming and the procedures to divert or close public rights of way must be made far easier and less expensive.”

Mr Llewellyn added, “NFU Cymru is deeply concerned, however, that options are being considered to remove restrictions on the range of activities that can take place on rights of way and on access land; together with proposals to allow access for responsible recreation to all land in Wales.

“Wales already has a very extensive network of paths and access land. In our experience members of the public, in the main, appreciate clearly defined routes which are well signposted and maintained. There is a need, therefore, for Welsh Government to prioritise resources at the management and maintenance of the existing network.

“Any proposals to extend access will impose severe limitations on the day to day running of farm businesses. This will include their ability to manage their livestock and cropping effectively, as well as hindering their ability to meet their regulatory requirements. The proposals would inevitably lead to farmers facing increased liabilities in terms of public protection and also higher costs and reduced income through a range of impacts.”

Mr Llewellyn said, “Overall NFU Cymru is supportive of reform to simplify current legislation to allow a sensible rationalisation of the network. However, proposals that seek to broaden the range of activity and extend access opportunities are ill-conceived and should not be taken forward since they offer no protection from risk for those who seek recreational access and no protection from cost, burden or liability for the farmers who provide it.”