Plans to open up a 72-mile (115km) stretch of coast on the Isle of Wight have been unveiled by Natural England – but there is still no coastal path between East Cowes and Wootton.
The proposed route takes in a host of famous landmarks such as Tennyson Down and The Needles. In future, walkers will be able to stop along at the popular towns such as Cowes and Yarmouth.
The diverse attractions of the Island can also be enjoyed in spots such as Bembridge Harbour and Newtown Harbour. The nearby Newtown National Nature Reserve (NNR) will allow walkers to wander past flower-rich hay meadows, through ancient woodlands with rare butterflies and red squirrels, and look out over salt marsh and the clear waters of the harbour.
There is now a period of 8 weeks for the public to have their say on the England Coast Path proposals. If approved, this route will become part of the England Coast Path – the 2,700 mile long distance walking route and England’s newest National Trail currently being developed around the entire English coast by Natural England.
Andrew Smith, Natural England’s Area Manager for Thames Solent, said:
“These exciting proposals will improve access to some of the Isle of Wight’s most stunning landscapes. Visitors will be able to enjoy a colourful variety of landscapes, from small fishing villages to ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows, and take in views of the iconic Needles jutting out into the English Channel.
“We thank the many landowners and organisations who have so far inputted to help shape the proposals. Over the next eight weeks, we are inviting all organisations, farmers, local residents, visitors and businesses to have their say. It’s important that all responses are taken into account and we look forward to hearing people’s views.”
Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member for environment and heritage, Councillor John Hobart, said:
“Reaching this important milestone is a step further in achieving what will be a fantastic development for the Island in terms of creating new public access and making significant infrastructure improvements where our existing coastal path will be utilised.
“The implementation of the England Coast Path, which will also be a recognised National Trail, will further enhance the Island’s reputation as a fabulous walking destination for residents and visitors and also supports the council’s regeneration aspirations.
“It also fits with our sustainable transport plan of encouraging people to walk safely around the Island instead of having to walk along road edges. The council will continue to provide support in respect of the remaining East Cowes section and would like to take this opportunity to thank Natural England for their work thus far.”
The proposals recommend significant improvements to coastal footpaths enabling them in the future to ‘roll back’ when erosion occurs using a simpler and more cost-effective process. This will resolve the well-known and long-standing difficulties with maintaining a continuous walking route along this eroding coast.
The remaining England Coast Path report on the Isle of Wight will be published later this year to allow sufficient time to finalise proposals between East Cowes and Wootton Bridge.
Anyone may make representations to Natural England about the reports during the 8 week period. Owners and occupiers of affected land may make objections about the reports on specified grounds, which will be considered by a Planning Inspector before the Secretary of State makes a final decision.
All representations and objections must be received by Natural England no later than midnight on 13th May 2020. Copies of the reports can be viewed in local libraries in addition to the Isle of Wight Council office in Newport or at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/england-coast-path-on-the-isle-of-wight-comment-on-proposals.
This wasteful council cannot even afford to repair and cut and clear many of the footpaths that they are NOW responsible for. Pointless making more, as the grant to create is there, but NOT the upkeep.
So, how have the rules been bent to prevent the footpath following the coast from Wootton To East Cowes ? This is contrary to the Act of Parliament.
Where are these small fishing villages