CLA attacks Natural England plans to traipse over private gardens in coastal access shock

The CLA has condemned Natural England's shock announcement that it wants to remove safeguards in the new public right of access to the English coast that would have stopped the public walking across private gardens and parks.

The rural economy experts say it is "astonishing" that Natural England, at the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee meeting yesterday (Wednesday, 4 June), revealed it had drawn up a map showing up to 5,000 gardens and parks could be hit.

CLA President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher said: "It is extraordinary that Natural England thinks this is an acceptable way to act. We find it outrageous that the right of householders to enjoy the privacy of their own coastal gardens is at threat.

"The CLA is also alarmed that Natural England has apparently drawn up a plan affecting private home owners without prior consultation."

At the meeting Natural England said rural property owners would just have to "trust" them on being fair in the implementation of the coastal access plans published recently in the draft Marine Bill.

The CLA President said: "It is impossible to trust Natural England on this after it has repeatedly said the new right would not affect private gardens."

The CLA President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher and National Access Adviser Andrew Shirley are to give evidence to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee next Monday (June 9) from 4.30pm at Portcullis House, Westminster.