GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO REASSURE COASTAL HOLIDAY PARK OWNERS
July 31, 2009 10:05 AM
'I have been lobbying the Government on behalf of North Devon Holiday park owners and holidaymakers who are rightly concerned about the impact of the access proposals under the Marine and Coastal Access Bill,' says Nick Harvey MP of North Devon.
'This has all sorts of implications for security, safety and public liability and has rightly caused alarm with members of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association.'
When challenged on this issue Minister for Marine and Natural Environment, Huw Irranca-Davies told Nick:
'My officials have already been in discussion with the British Holiday & Home Parks Association on these matters and another meeting will take place in September to discuss these issues further.
'Natural England has said that it will work with landowners and land managers when considering the best alignment of the trail. Natural England has also said that it will draw up draft proposals, and these will include information on any exclusions and restrictions that it considers necessary.
'A new Schedule 1A, to the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, will provide a process in which objections to Natural England's coastal access proposals may be referred to an appointed person (who it is envisaged will be an inspector from the Planning Inspectorate). The British Holiday & Park Home Association has welcomed this amendment as a valuable safeguard for park owners.'
Nick Harvey comments in response, 'While the Government safeguards are clearly a step in the right direction, my concern is that trail access disputes will not be resolved swiftly or amicably - all of which could be to the detriment of our local tourist business. Nor do I welcome the prospect of the Secretary of State riding rough shod over landowners' objections.'
The Government proposes under the Marine Bill to create a national coastal access trail four metres wide in England, this is supported by the Ramblers' Association, the Open Spaces Society and equestrian and cycling associations.
It is unclear what the impact this will have on the existing South West Coast Path National trail which extends westward all the way from Minehead back round to Poole.
The Bill will also establish Maritime Conservation Zones and the Maritime Management Organization.
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