North Essex: opening up entire coastline moves a step nearer

The Marine and Coastal Access Bill has had its second reading at Parliament.

The House of Lords welcomed the bill but highlighted areas where work needed to be done before it becomes law.

Business leaders have called for “natural justice” in the new legislation.

At present it introduces rights to go on to people’s land and property even where it is being used for other purposes such as caravan parks, hotels or public attractions.

It could affect sites like the Exchem chemical factory at Great Oakley and Walton’s Titchmarsh Marina.

Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, president of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), said: “There are few safeguards for property owners – there is no right of appeal, and no compensation if losses are caused.

“The CLA has repeatedly said that, while we support improved access along the coast, there must be a right of appeal in place for those who need it – that’s basic natural justice.”

The Federation of Small Businesses in Essex hopes the bill will encourage countryside tourism, but said it was concerned about the lack of an independent appeals and compensation process.

Environment minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, said marine resources risked severe long-term damage and reduced sustainability without the bill.

“This bill is groundbreaking legislation,” he said.

“The UK will be the first country in the world to take such an ambitious and wide-ranging, structured approach to marine management.”

The bill got general cross-party support but Lord Taylor of Holbeach said the Conservatives want local authorities to have a bigger say in the process and called for a proper appeals process.

The bill will now enter committee stage where it will be debated again and possibly amended.

It will return for a third reading in the Lords before it reaches the House of Commons for a similar process.

Once both Houses have agreed the content, it can be approved, which could take until autumn or longer.