New coastal access rights - Weymouth Bay proposals approved

The Secretary of State has approved the proposals, so establishment works can now go ahead. Once these works are completed the new rights will come into effect.

Benefits for Dorset arising from the new coastal access rights include:

• The ability to automatically roll back the path in response to erosion. This is a significant benefit in Dorset, where erosion can happen suddenly and in large uneven slips or slumps, severing the path and incurring significant costs and difficulties in trying to re-establish a coastal path.

• Improved alignment of the path in a number of places. For example, giving improved sea views and taking people on a more coastal experience.

• Additional areas brought into public access. The rights also give increased access to land seaward of the route and in some cases landward as well.

The much valued South West Coast Path branding will be retained but as the new rights come into force this stretch of the path will also become the very first part of the England Coast Path.

The Coastal Access Project Weymouth Bay has been awarded the Inspire mark. Weymouth Bay was chosen as the first place where new coastal access rights will be implemented because of the location of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Events in Weymouth & Portland. The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Defra Minister Richard Benyon, Chair of Natural England, Poul Christensen and Leader of Dorset County Council, Angus Campbell, attended the press release on 26^th January 2012 and took part in the presentation of the Inspire mark. The press release is available at the DEFRA site  News (opens in a new window)  page

To find out more visit the Natural England (opens in a new window)  website or make an enquiry using any of the methods below.

For enquiries: 

• Call the Natural England enquiry line on 03000 602 067  

•  Email weymouthcoastalaccess@naturalengland.org.uk

• Write to:              

  Enquiries - Weymouth Bay

  Natural England

  Temple Quay House

  2 The Square

  BRISTOL

  BS1 6EB

• Coastal Access Officer
  Name: Suzanne Powner
  Email: s.powner@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 221062
  Full details for Suzanne Powner