Access to the English Coast Faversham Footpath Group In regard to the PROW alignment being considered by KCC, we have yet to see their detailed designs showing this route through the parking area. Graham Rusling is getting these prepared. As I mentioned at the last meeting, in our formal proposals we will identify our preferred route – likely the proposed PROW, but will also highlight the other options that Natural England considered – one of these being a route through the entrance gates.  The England Coast Path Kevin Haugh, Natural England southeastcoastalaccess@naturalengland.org.uk

Former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg 3rd September 2014 “I’m pleased to announce today that the government will be putting the funding in place to ensure the path is completed by 2020.” Former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg 3rd September 2014 Announced by Nick Clegg September 2014 Tight deadline to get all the paths in place

What is the England Coast Path? The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, (Part 9) establishes the coastal access duty - to create a long- distance walking route around the English coast, (the England Coast Path) and to identify land beside it, the coastal margin, accessible to the public on foot. We follow statutory guidance – the Coastal Access Scheme which ensures that a balance is struck between the interests of those who own the land and the public, in having new access rights across it. It also enables us to respond to coastal change through proposing ‘roll back’ which will allow the path to be moved back as the coast changes 2009 Act “Aims to improve public access to and enjoyment of the English coastline by creating clear and consistent public rights along the English coast for enjoyment on foot” Long distance walking route- will be the longest continual route of its kind: 2700 mile long National Trail Coastal margin – areas of open access Coastal access scheme- handbook available on our website Roll back- for example where there is likely to be coastal erosion Natural environment- through consideration of the impact of the path under the habitat regulations assessment 2010

Estuaries and the England Coast Path We have a power rather than a duty to extend the ECP along an estuary The trail could end at the seaward limit of an estuary. This may be inconvenient for access We will normally extend the trail to the first pedestrian crossing point – particularly when linking large towns, transport links, rights of way access points and local tourist businesses We must seek to balance the cost of bringing Coastal Access along an estuary against the public enjoyment of improved access

What are the benefits of the England Coast Path? Secure, continuous, clearly way-marked, well managed route National Trail brand and funding Boost to the local economy Reconnecting people with their local coast Reduced liability on coastal access land A straightforward way to deal with coastal change (roll back) In 2012, the South West Coast Path generated a user spend of £436 million and associated employment related to this spend of 9,771 full time equivalent jobs being sustained. (Unlocking our Coastal Heritage along the South West Coast Path National Trail: Report on the 2010 - 2014 £2.1m Unlocking our Coastal Heritage Project http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/media/uploads/devoncc-14005_swcp_final_report_single_pages.pdf) The Welsh Coast path officially opened in May 2012 and had an estimated 2.82 million visits between October 2012 and September 2013; 2.45 million of these were by adults (defined as those aged 16 years or over). Gross expenditure by adult visitors on these trips was estimated at £32.3 million. (The Wales Coast Path Visitor Survey 2011-13: The Economic Impact of Wales Coast Path Visitor Spending on Wales 2013 14 October 2013 http://www.walescoastpath.gov.uk/media/1160/wcp-visitor-survey-2011-13.pdf), though it should be noted that it is not a national trail and does not have a ‘roll back’ provision.

Economic benefits South West Coast Path generated a user spend of £436 million (2012) The Welsh Coast path had an estimated 2.82 million visits between October 2012 and September 2013; Gross expenditure by adult visitors on these trips was estimated at £32.3 million In 2012, the South West Coast Path generated a user spend of £436 million and associated employment related to this spend of 9,771 full time equivalent jobs being sustained. (Unlocking our Coastal Heritage along the South West Coast Path National Trail: Report on the 2010 - 2014 £2.1m Unlocking our Coastal Heritage Project http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/media/uploads/devoncc-14005_swcp_final_report_single_pages.pdf) The Welsh Coast path officially opened in May 2012 and had an estimated 2.82 million visits between October 2012 and September 2013; 2.45 million of these were by adults (defined as those aged 16 years or over). Gross expenditure by adult visitors on these trips was estimated at £32.3 million. (The Wales Coast Path Visitor Survey 2011-13: The Economic Impact of Wales Coast Path Visitor Spending on Wales 2013 14 October 2013 http://www.walescoastpath.gov.uk/media/1160/wcp-visitor-survey-2011-13.pdf), though it should be noted that it is not a national trail and does not have a ‘roll back’ provision. Reference: http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/media/uploads/devoncc-14005_swcp_final_report_single_pages.pdf http://www.walescoastpath.gov.uk/media/1160/wcp-visitor-survey-2011-13.pdf

Access and Sensitive Features Appraisal We look at the impacts on sensitive wildlife sites and undertake a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) We propose avoidance and mitigation measures, if proposals are likely to affect important sites. We will work with the our own planners and wildlife experts, as well as with outside organisations to ensure minimum impacts. Key points: SPA/SAC/SSSI/ RAMSAR/MCZ When considering NE will be treated as any other applicant in terms of the assessment Working closely with Paul Hyde to make sure that we take into account all the impacts One person looking into the combined impact of all of the routes Change from Swale SPA to Medway Estuary & Marshes SPA – impact on both from both stretches of ECP to be considered

Balancing public & private interests Public interest Proximity of the trail to the sea Views of the sea from the trail Safety and convenience Continuity of the trail Operational needs Income Privacy Changes of use In relation to the trail, Natural England is required by section 297(2) of the 2009 Act to have specific regard to: ■ the safety and convenience of those using the route; ■ the desirability of it adhering to the periphery of the coast and providing views of the sea; and ■ the desirability of ensuring that, so far as is reasonably practicable, interruptions to it are kept to a minimum. 4.1.2 Since in many places there will be a choice as to the route, with each option fulfilling each of these considerations to varying degrees, it is for Natural England in its proposals to the Secretary of State to propose the balance to be struck between them on each stretch of coast. 4.1.3 The extent to which spreading room should be available to the public is relevant in striking this balance, because it is affected by our proposals about the position of the route, and may be affected by our proposals about: ■ places where the landward boundary of the coastal margin should coincide with a physical feature (see section 4.8); and ■ any local exclusions or restrictions we think are necessary.

The Coastal Margin

Development of the Coast Path Stage 2 of WSI started September 2015 – Stage 2/3 summer 2016 Stage 3 Report Autumn 2016 Stage 1 Iwade to Grain (Hoo) starts Christmas Stage 2 may take a year, from spring 2016, Stage 3 report – spring 2017

National Delivery 67 stretches nationally ~2700 miles/ 4345Km All stretches started by 2017 2020 target for completion 164Km open for use already further 344Km of route approved 4800 Km of coast 164Km open for use Work started on 998Km (~1000km) Formal proposals for 315Km

Delivery in Kent and East Sussex

Whitstable to Iwade Stage 1 Iwade to Grain (Hoo) starts Christmas Stage 2 may take a year, from spring 2016, Stage 3 report – spring 2017 Open by Autumn 2018 1: Christmas 2015 2: Spring 2016 3: Spring 2017 5: Autumn 2018

Faversham and Oare Creeks Stage 1 Iwade to Grain (Hoo) starts Christmas Stage 2 may take a year, from spring 2016, Stage 3 report – spring 2017 Open by Autumn 2018 1: Christmas 2015 2: Spring 2016 3: Spring 2017 5: Autumn 2018

Any Questions? E-mail: southeastcoastalaccess@naturalengland.org.uk Telephone: 07900 608182 Any Questions?

Faversham Creek Stage 1 Iwade to Grain (Hoo) starts Christmas Stage 2 may take a year, from spring 2016, Stage 3 report – spring 2017 Open by Autumn 2018 1: Christmas 2015 2: Spring 2016 3: Spring 2017 5: Autumn 2018