No compensation threat to coastal land owners remains, says CLA

In response to today's approval of its report Improving Coastal Access by the Board of Natural England which recommends to Government a corridor around the English coast, David Fursdon, President of the Country Land & Business Association (CLA) said:

"The proposal is an improvement on the blanket right to roam on all beaches, foreshore and coastal land announced last summer, but the CLA remains concerned that there will be no compensation paid to landowners where their property is used for public access. The CLA will make strong representations in the coastal access consultation expected next month that there must be a presumption of compensation paid where a loss is shown.

"The CLA also considers that Natural England's estimates that their proposals will cost only £5 million per year for the next ten years seems very optimistic when we remember the costs of implementing the Countryside and Rights of Way Act.

"This proposal needs a lot of further work and we are scrutinising developments very closely.

If accepted by the Government, these proposals will require primary legislation; CLA understands that the Marine Bill might be chosen as the appropriate vehicle.