Notice by the Secretary of State under section 52 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949: Isle of Wight, length IOW3
Updated 25 October 2024
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2024
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coastal-access-section-52-notice-for-the-isle-of-wight/notice-by-the-secretary-of-state-under-section-52-of-the-national-parks-and-access-to-the-countryside-act-1949-isle-of-wight-length-iow3
Introduction
On 18 March 2020 Natural England submitted a compendium of coastal access reports relating to the stretch of coast around the Isle of Wight to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under section 51 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (“the 1949 Act”), pursuant to its duty under section 296(1) of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (“the 2009 Act”).
This determination only relates to length IOW3. Proposals for lengths IOW4 and IOW5 were approved on the 6th of April 2022, proposals for lengths IOW8 and IOW9 were approved on 5th May 2023 and the proposal for length IOW6 was approved on the 7th of May 2024. Proposals covering the remainder of the route, IOW2, IOW7 and IOW10 are yet to be determined.
In reaching a determination under section 52 of the 1949 Act the Secretary of State has considered:
a. Isle of Wight length report IOW3 – part of Natural England’s coastal access report compendium for Isle of Wight Wootton Bridge to the Medina submitted to the Secretary of State on 18 March 2020
b. Modification reports MR1 and MR2 – proposed changes to the King Charles III England Coast Path proposals for Isle of Wight length report IOW3 submitted to the Secretary of State on 9 August 2023
c. in accordance with paragraph 16(1)(d) of the Schedule, representations made by a person within paragraph 2(2)(b) to (f) of the Schedule and the summary of other representations made, and Natural England’s comments on those representations which it sent to the Secretary of State in June 2020.
In this notice –
(a) “representation” means a representation about the coastal access report which is made under paragraph 7 of Schedule 20 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.
Secretary of State’s approval of coastal access proposals
The Secretary of State has determined to approve those proposals for the route and associated coastal margin as set out in length report IOW3.
The Secretary of State determines that the proposals set out in the coastal access report do not fail to strike a “fair balance”. The Secretary of State therefore approves the proposals set out in the coastal access report so far as they relate to those parts of the route (and associated coastal margin).
Where proposals are approved in full, the additional conclusions and observations of the Secretary of State in relation to the representations are set out at Annex A to this notice.
The Secretary of State has made available at www.gov.uk:
a. a copy of this notice
b. representations made by a person within paragraph 2(2)(b) to (f) of the Schedule, and Natural England’s comments on those representations, which it sent to the Secretary of State in June 2020
c. summary of other representations, and Natural England’s comments on those representations, which it sent to the Secretary of State in June 2020
Natural England has also made available here:
d. Isle of Wight - the compendium of coastal access reports
e. Coastal Access Modification Reports MR1 and MR2 - proposed changes to the King Charles III England Coast Path proposals for Isle of Wight length report IOW3
Annex A: Conclusions and observations on representations
The Secretary of State has considered, in relation to the coastal access report, the following representations made under paragraph 7 of the Schedule.
Representation ID: MCA/IOW3/R/1/IOW3889
Organisation/ person making representation: The Ramblers, [redacted]
Route section(s) specific to this representation: Report IOW3
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: N/A
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State thanks the Ramblers for their support of the proposed coast path. The Secretary of State acknowledges the Ramblers’ proposal for a route closer to the sea near Knock Cliff Haddon’s Pit. However, the Secretary of State agrees with Natural England’s decision to modify the route to use the permissive path through Haddon’s Pit, considering the safety, infrastructure engineering, and cost concerns raised by the Isle of Wight Council. The Secretary of State also notes Natural England’s commitment to improve the path at IOW-3-S063 to enhance accessibility.
Representation ID: MCA/IOW3/R/2/IOW0145
Organisation/ person making representation: Isle of Wight Council, [redacted]
Route section(s) specific to this representation: IOW-3-S001 to S003, IOW-3-SO41, IOW-3-S069, IOW-3-S104, 105 and 106, IOW-3-S124 to S131
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: N/A
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State acknowledges the Isle of Wight Council’s support for the proposed route. The Secretary of State also notes that the minor issue raised by the Council regarding the need for scrub clearance and fencing has been withdrawn following Natural England’s assurance to fund the necessary works to bring the path up to standard, as well as the roll-back provision in place should the path erode.
Representation ID: MCA/IOW3/R/3/IOW0145
Organisation/ person making representation: Isle of Wight Council, [redacted]
Route section(s) specific to this representation: IOW-3-SO42 and land to the east thereof
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: N/A
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State acknowledges the Isle of Wight Council’s concerns regarding the safety and scenic value of the proposed route section IOW-3-S042 along Luccombe Road. The Secretary of State notes Natural England’s modified route, which has been agreed upon with the relevant landowner, addressing safety and scenic concerns and better aligning with the Coastal Access Scheme criteria.
Representation ID: MCA/IOW Stretch/R/1/IOW3910
Organisation/ person making representation: [redacted] on behalf of Bird Aware Solent
Route section(s) specific to this representation: whole stretch
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: all reports
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State acknowledges the Solent Recreation Mitigation Partnership’s concerns regarding the potential conflicts between the King Charles III England Coast Path and their mitigation program. The Secretary of State notes Natural England’s examination of environmental impacts and the implementation of specific measures such asthe clear communication of access rights and restrictions through signage and detailed online resources. These efforts are aimed at guaranteeing responsible access to the coast while safeguarding bird populations and their habitats, and the Secretary of State is confident that this will help to mitigate the issues raised.
Representation ID: MCA/IOW Stretch/R/8/IOW3902
Organisation/ person making representation: [redacted] on behalf of the Isle of Wight Local Access Forum
Route section(s) specific to this representation: whole stretch – reports 2 to 10
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: as above
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State acknowledges the Isle of Wight Local Access Forum’s challenges to participation in the consultation process due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and appreciates their valuable input in helping shape these proposals despite these constraints.
Representation ID: MCA/IOW Stretch/R/6/IOW0016
Organisation / person making representation: Open Spaces Society
Name of site: IOW 2 - 10
Report map reference: all
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: all
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: all
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State acknowledges the Open Spaces Society’s alignment with The Ramblers’ Association’s representations. The Secretary of State notes that their response to these concerns can be found in representation MCA/IOW3/R/1/IOW3889.
Representation ID: MCA/IOW Stretch/R/5/IOW4210
Organisation/ person making representation: The Disabled Ramblers
Name of site: IOW 2 - 10
Report map reference: all
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: all
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: all
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State acknowledges the Disabled Ramblers’ concerns regarding improvements to access for those using mobility vehicles. The Secretary of State notes Natural England’s efforts to address accessibility concerns, including alignment with the inclusive principles of relevant British Standards and guidance documents, as well as practical measures such as the removal of stiles.
Representation ID: MCA/IOW Stretch/R/3/IOW4199
Organisation/ person making representation: [redacted] on behalf of Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Steering Committee
Name of site: stretch wide
Report map reference: all
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: all
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: all
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State recognises the Isle of Wight AONB Steering Committee’s concerns regarding the delicate balance between conservation and access objectives. The Secretary of State is pleased to note Natural England’s commitment to addressing these concerns by employing a mix of techniques for effective access management, including evaluating the impacts of interventions, and adhering to signage standards to minimise visual impact along the trail.
Representation ID: MCA/IOW Stretch/R/2/IOW0259
Organisation/ person making representation: Southern Gas
Name of site: stretch wide
Report map reference: all
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: specified within the supporting documentation
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: all
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State acknowledges Southern Gas’s concerns regarding potential risks to gas infrastructure during ground works in the vicinity of the proposed route. The Secretary of State is pleased to note Natural England’s commitment to collaborate with the Isle of Wight Council and consult with Southern Gas during the establishment phase to address these concerns.
Representation ID: MCA/IOW Stretch/R/4/IOW3891
Organisation/ person making representation: [redacted] (chairman) on behalf of Isle of Wight Gardens Trust
Name of site: Ventnor Botanic Gardens
Report map reference: Report IOW 3 Map 3i
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: N/A
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates:
Report IOW 2 Map 2b (Quarr Abbey)
Report IOW 2 Map 2g (The Priory, St Helens)
Report IOW 4 Map 4a (Old Park, St Lawrence)
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State thanks the Isle of Wight Gardens Trust for their support of the proposed King Charles III England Coast Path route.
Representation ID: MCA/MR1/R/3/IOW4251, MCA/MR1/R/4/IOW4252, MCCA/MR1/R/5/IOW4253
Organisation/ person making representation:
[redacted] and [redacted]
[redacted]
[redacted]
Name of site: Ash Grove and Bracken Dell, Luccombe Village
Report map reference: Map MR1
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: IOW-MR1-S001 to IOW-MR1-S012 (specifically IOW-MR1-S002)
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: N/A
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State acknowledges the concerns raised by Ash Grove residents regarding the increased foot traffic, littering, dog fouling, and safety hazards posed by vehicles as well as their complaints regarding the Isle of Wight Council’s follow-up on the realignment of the King Charles III England Coast Path. The Secretary of State is pleased to note Natural England’s collaborative efforts with the Isle of Wight Council to address these concerns which includes measures such as installing signage improvements and working on solutions to mitigate the impact of increased foot traffic on residents’ privacy and safety.
Representation ID: MCA/MR1/R/3/IOW4251, MCA/MR1/R/4/IOW4252, MCA/MR1/R/5/IOW4253
Representation ID: MCA/MR1/R/2/IOW1023
Organisation/ person making representation: [redacted]
Name of site: Luccombe
Report map reference: Map MR1
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: IOW-MR1-S003 to IOW-MR1-S008
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: N/A
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State acknowledges the representation’s support for the proposed modification and the suggested infrastructure improvements surrounding drainage, surfacing, and a fenced route to separate walkers from cows. The Secretary of State notes Natural England’s plans to improve surfacing by installing aggregate, and the support received from the National Trust for the modification which deems signs will be enough to alert visitors to the presence of cattle, making a fence unnecessary.
Representation ID: MCA/MR2/R/1/IOW1023
Organisation/ person making representation: [redacted]
Name of site: Shanklin Chine
Report map reference: Map MR2
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: IOW-MR2-S004
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: N/A
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State acknowledges the representation’s support and proposal to add a handrail and improve the surface of the steps at Tower Cottage Gardens. The Secretary of State supports Natural England’s reasoning that modifications are unnecessary due to the existing fencing acting as a handrail and the availability of an alternative route for those unable to manage the steps.