§ Earl Peelasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will conduct an environmental impact assessment on the possible effects of any compulsory right of access to coastal areas prior to any extension of the definition of "open country" to include coastal land of any description; and [HL4932]
Whether they will conduct an assessment of the potential impact on business and the rural economy arising from compulsory right of access to coastal areas prior to any extension of the definition of "open country" to include coastal land of any description. [HL4933]
§ Lord WhittyThe introduction of the new right of access in the south east and lower north west under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 is giving people in these two areas a greater freedom to explore the countryside. Our aim is to introduce the new right across England by the end of 2005.
We hope to make an announcement shortly about further measures we plan to take to achieve our aim that everyone should have good opportunities to enjoy the natural environment.
Access to open country in general has considerable benefit to the rural economy as well as making a contribution to the health of the nation and to the well-being of those who take advantage of such access. We believe that access to coastal land will have similar benefits and it is something the Government seek to promote. Any new legislative proposals would be subject to an environmental impact assessment and an assessment of the effects on business and the economy as part of a process of full public consultation.