Notice by the Secretary of State under section 52 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949: Aldeburgh to Hopton-on-Sea length AHS4
Updated 18 September 2025
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coastal-access-section-52-notice-for-aldeburgh-to-hopton-on-sea/notice-by-the-secretary-of-state-under-section-52-of-the-national-parks-and-access-to-the-countryside-act-1949-aldeburgh-to-hopton-on-sea-length-ahs4
Introduction
On 29 January 2020 Natural England submitted a compendium of coastal access reports relating to the stretch of coast from Aldeburgh to Hopton-on-Sea 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”).
In reaching a determination under section 52 of the 1949 Act the Secretary of State has considered:
a. Aldeburgh to Hopton-on-Sea report AHS4 – part of Natural England’s coastal access report compendium for the Isle of Wight submitted to the Secretary of State on 29 January 2020
b. in accordance with paragraph 16(1)(a) of the Schedule, the objections which the appointed person determined to be an admissible objection
c. in accordance with paragraph 16(1)(b) of the Schedule, Natural England’s comments on the admissible objections which it sent to the Secretary of State
d. in accordance with paragraph 16(1)(c) of the Schedule, the reports given to the Secretary of State by the appointed person in respect of the objections which the appointed person determined to be an admissible objection
e. 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 2023
f. Section 245 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 imposes a duty upon the Secretary of State, when exercising any function which has any effect upon land in a an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to seek to the further the purposes of those areas. In this case the creation of coastal access in and around these Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty may have an effect upon them. However, in making this decision the Secretary of State has sought to further the purpose of the conservation and enhancement of these Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by satisfying itself that no harm will come to these areas as a result of the creation of the new coastal access
In this notice –
(a) “objection” means an objection about the coastal access report which is made under paragraph 3 of Schedule 20 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009; and
(b) “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 AHS4 with slight modifications.
In the respects specified in the objection set out at Annex A to this notice, the Secretary of State determines that the proposals set out in the coastal access report do not fail to strike a “fair balance” as a result of the matters specified in the objections. 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) to which the objection relates.
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 B to this notice.
The Secretary of State has made available at www.gov.uk:
a. a copy of this notice
b. the reports on the objections given to them by the appointed person
c. 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 2023
d. summary of other representations, and Natural England’s comments on those representations, which it sent to the Secretary of State in June 2023
Natural England has also made available here:
e. Aldeburgh to Hopton-on-Sea: the coastal access report
Annex A: Objections which did not fail to strike a “fair balance”
Objection reference: MCA/AHS4/O/1/AHS1063
The land in the Report to which the objection relates includes route sections AHS-4-S005 to AHS-4-S010. The Secretary of State acknowledges that the objector has raised concerns regarding the impact on land management, privacy, safety, trespass and loss if income.
The Secretary of State notes that the trail is routed outside holiday let boundaries, minimising impacts on land management and future development, and that any adjustments to the route due to coastal erosion will be made in consultation with the landowner.
The Secretary of State also notes that privacy concerns have been addressed through targeted route adjustments and safety concerns have been addressed by realigning the path inland. The risk of trespass is minimised by clear signage keeping walkers on the designated trail.
Finally, the Secretary of State notes that Natural England remains willing to review the route if a proven loss of income arises, though proximity to a National Trail is often seen as a commercial advantage.
Consequently, the Secretary of State approves the proposals in relation to this route section with these modifications in place.
Objection reference: MCA/AHS4/O/3/AHS0375
The land in the Report to which the objection relates includes route sections AHS-4-S014 to AHS-4-S034 and AHS-4-OA004 to AHS-4-OA031.
The Secretary of State acknowledges that the objector raised concerns regarding the necessity of the proposed Optional Alternative Routes (OARs), their alignment in relation to existing Public Rights of Way (PROWs), and the potential for illegal or improper use.
The Secretary of State notes that the OARs are necessary due to regular flooding and coastal breaches along this stretch of coast, and that this specific alignment is required to ensure safety, practicality, and a positive user experience.
The Secretary of State also notes that signage will be used to manage the legal use of OARs, and that Natural England has agreed to modify the route at certain sections in response to specific concerns.
Consequently, the Secretary of State approves the proposals in relation to this route section with these modifications in place.
Objection reference: MCA/AHS4/O/4/AHS0375
The land in the Report to which the objection relates includes route sections AHS-4-S017, AHS-4-S020 to AHS-4-S024 and AHS-4-OA025 to AHS-4-OA026.
The Secretary of State acknowledges that the objector raised concerns regarding the necessity of the proposed Optional Alternative Routes (OARs), their alignment in relation to existing Public Rights of Way (PROWs), the potential for illegal or improper use, impacts on residents’ privacy and livestock biosecurity.
The Secretary of State notes that the OARs are necessary due to regular flooding and coastal breaches along this stretch of coast, and that this specific alignment is required to ensure safety, practicality, and a positive user experience.
Mill Lane is already a public highway with pedestrian rights, so the proposed OARs on this route do not introduce new privacy intrusions; however, the alignment near Warren House has been revised to address privacy concerns. Additionally, temporary electric fencing will be installed in key locations to separate walkers and dogs from livestock, signage will be used to manage the legal use of OARs, and Natural England has agreed to modify certain route sections in response to specific concerns.
Consequently, the Secretary of State approves the proposals in relation to this route section with these modifications in place.
Objection reference: MCA/AHS4/O/5/AHS0375
The land in the Report to which the objection relates includes route sections AHS-4-S014 to AHS-4-S034 and AHS-4-OA004 to AHS-4-OA031.
The Secretary of State acknowledges that the objector raised concerns regarding the necessity of the proposed Optional Alternative Routes (OARs), their alignment in relation to existing Public Rights of Way (PROWs), the potential for illegal or improper use, impacts on residents’ privacy, impacts on nature conservation and Environmental Stewardship Schemes, and the inclusion of excepted land.
The Secretary of State notes that the OARs are necessary due to regular flooding and coastal breaches along this stretch of coast, and that this specific alignment is required to ensure safety, practicality, and a positive user experience.
Mill Lane is already a public highway with pedestrian rights, so the proposed OARs on this route do not introduce new privacy intrusions; however, the alignment near Warren House has been revised to address privacy concerns. Also, detailed environmental assessments and reviews confirm that the OARs will not adversely affect protected habitats or Stewardship Schemes.
Finally, regarding excepted land, the Secretary of State notes a modification has been proposed to exclude residential curtilage.
Consequently, the Secretary of State approves the proposals in relation to these route sections with these modifications in place.
Objection reference: MCA/AHS4/O/6/AHS0375
The land in the Report to which the objection relates includes route sections AHS-4-S014 to AHS-4-S034 and AHS-4-OA004 to AHS-4-OA031.
The Secretary of State acknowledges that the objector raised concerns regarding the necessity of the proposed Optional Alternative Routes (OARs), their alignment in relation to existing Public Rights of Way (PROWs), the potential for illegal or improper use, impacts on nature conservation and Environmental Stewardship Schemes, and the inclusion of excepted land.
The Secretary of State also acknowledges the objector’s more specific concerns regarding the Easton Broad OAR. The Secretary of State notes that the OARs are necessary due to regular flooding and coastal breaches along this stretch of coast, and that this specific alignment is required to ensure safety, practicality, and a positive user experience. Also, detailed environmental assessments and reviews confirm that the OARs will not adversely affect protected habitats or Stewardship Schemes.
Regarding excepted land, the Secretary of State notes a modification has been proposed to exclude residential curtilage.
Finally, with regards to the Easton Broad OAR, the Secretary of State notes that mapping errors and wording about hedge works have since been corrected and clarified.
Consequently, the Secretary of State approves the proposals in relation to these route sections with these modifications in place.
Objection reference: MCA/AHS4/O/7/AHS0375
The land in the Report to which the objection relates includes route sections AHS-4-OA020 to AHS-4-OA022.
The Secretary of State acknowledges that the objector raised concerns regarding the necessity of the proposed Optional Alternative Routes (OARs), their alignment in relation to existing Public Rights of Way (PROWs), and the potential for illegal or improper use.
The Secretary of State notes that the OARs are necessary due to regular flooding and coastal breaches along this stretch of coast, and that this specific alignment is required to ensure safety, practicality, and a positive user experience.
The Secretary of State also notes that signage will be used to manage the legal use of OARs, and that Natural England has agreed to modify the route at certain sections in response to specific concerns.
Consequently, the Secretary of State approves the proposals in relation to this route section with these modifications in place.
Objection reference: MCA/AHS4/O/8/AHS1486
The land in the Report to which the objection relates includes route sections AHS-4-S0015, AHS-4-S0017, AHS‐4‐S020 to AHS-4-S024 and AHS-4-OA025.
The Secretary of State acknowledges that the objector raised concerns regarding livestock biosecurity at Mill Lane, impacts on nature conservation and Environmental Stewardship Schemes, and the inclusion of excepted land.
The Secretary of State notes that Mill Lane is a public highway, and the proposed Optional Alternative Routes (OARs), with clear signage and temporary electric fencing, will separate walkers and dogs from livestock. Also, detailed environmental assessments and reviews confirm that the OARs will not adversely affect protected habitats or Stewardship Schemes.
Finally, regarding excepted land, the Secretary of State notes a modification has been proposed to exclude residential curtilage.
Consequently, the Secretary of State approves the proposals in relation to these route sections with these modifications in place.
Objection reference: MCA/AHS4/O/9/AHS1289
The land in the Report to which the objection relates includes route sections AHS-4-S0015, AHS-4-S0017, AHS‐4‐S020 to AHS-4-S024 and AHS-4-OA025.
The Secretary of State acknowledges that the objector raised concerns regarding livestock biosecurity at Mill Lane, impacts on nature conservation and Environmental Stewardship Schemes, and the inclusion of excepted land.
The Secretary of State notes that Mill Lane is a public highway, and the proposed Optional Alternative Routes (OARs), with clear signage and temporary electric fencing, will separate walkers and dogs from livestock. Also, detailed environmental assessments and reviews confirm that the OARs will not adversely affect protected habitats or Stewardship Schemes.
Finally, regarding excepted land, the Secretary of State notes a modification has been proposed to exclude residential curtilage.
Consequently, the Secretary of State approves the proposals in relation to these route sections with these modifications in place.
Objection reference: MCA/AHS4/O/10-23 and 26-27/AHS0375
The land in the Report to which the objection relates includes route sections AHS-4-S017, AHS-4-S020 to AHS-4-S024, AHS-4- OA025 AMD AHS-4-OA026.
The Secretary of State acknowledges that the objector raised concerns regarding the necessity of the proposed Optional Alternative Routes (OARs), their alignment in relation to existing Public Rights of Way (PROWs), the potential for illegal or improper use, impacts on residents’ privacy and livestock biosecurity.
The Secretary of State acknowledges that the objector raised concerns regarding the necessity of the proposed OARs, their alignment in relation to existing PROWs, and the potential for illegal or improper use.
The Secretary of State notes that the OARs are necessary due to regular flooding and coastal breaches along this stretch of coast, and that this specific alignment is required to ensure safety, practicality, and a positive user experience.
Mill Lane is already a public highway with pedestrian rights, so the proposed OARs on this route do not introduce new privacy intrusions; however, the alignment near Warren House has been revised to address privacy concerns. Additionally, temporary electric fencing will be installed in key locations to separate walkers and dogs from livestock, signage will be used to manage the legal use of OARs, and Natural England has agreed to modify certain route sections in response to specific concerns.
Consequently, the Secretary of State approves the proposals in relation to this route section with these modifications in place.
Objection reference: MCA/AHS4/O/24/AHS1333
The land in the Report to which the objection relates includes route sections AHS‐4‐OA13 to AHS‐4 OA16, AHS-4-S017, AHS-4-S021 and AHS-4-OA024 to AHS‐4‐OA026.
The Secretary of State acknowledges the concerns raised around privacy at Mill Lane and excepted land. The Secretary of State notes that Mill Lane is already a public highway with pedestrian rights, so the proposed Optional Alternative Routes on this route do not introduce new privacy intrusions; however, the alignment near Warren House has been revised to address privacy concerns.
The Secretary of State also notes that Natural England has proposed a modification to exclude AHS-4-OA015 due to revised understanding of residential curtilage. By contrast, AHS-4-S017 and AHS-4-S021 do not meet the definition of excepted land.
Consequently, the Secretary of State approves the proposals in relation to this route section with these modifications in place.
Objection reference: MCA/AHS4/O/25/AHS1338
The land in the Report to which the objection relates includes route sections AHS-4-OA015, AHS-4-S017 and AHS-4-S021.
The Secretary of State acknowledges the concern raised around the potential inclusion of excepted land. The Secretary of State notes that Natural England has proposed a modification to exclude AHS-4-OA015 due to revised understanding of residential curtilage.
By contrast, AHS-4-S017 and AHS-4-S021 do not meet the definition of excepted land.
Consequently, the Secretary of State approves the proposals for this section with the proposed modification in place.
Annex B: 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 number: MCA/AHS6/R/3/AHS0862
Organisation/ person making representation: Ramblers Association
Route section(s) specific to this representation: AHS-4-S006 to AHS-4-S009, AHS-4-S016
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: None
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State acknowledges the Ramblers Association’s endorsement of the proposed route and thanks them for their positive feedback.
Representation number: MCA/AHS4/R/5/AHS0857
Organisation/ person making representation: Suffolk County Council
Route section(s) specific to this representation: AHS-4-S001 to AHS-4-S075 (whole report)
AHS-4-OA001 to AHS-4-OA031
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: None
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation
The Secretary of State notes Suffolk County Council’s concerns regarding the Optional Alternative Routes (OARs) causing confusion among walkers or conflict with landowners, as well as the challenges of funding their ongoing maintenance and the costs associated with Environmental Protection Measures. However, the Secretary of State supports Natural England’s position that these concerns will be addressed through signage explaining the purpose and conditions for use of OARs. The Secretary of State also notes that most OARs follow existing public paths and their maintenance already falls within the Council’s responsibilities, and Natural England’s maintenance grant may be used flexibly to support the upkeep of OARs where necessary. Finally, the funding model for National Trails is due to be reviewed, with consideration being given to support environmental mitigation requirements.
Representation number: MCA/AHS4/R/2/AHS0873
Organisation/ person making representation: Suffolk Local Access Forum
Route section(s) specific to this representation: AHS-4-S001 to AHS-4-S075 (whole report)
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: None
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation
The Secretary of State notes the Suffolk Local Access Forum’s concerns regarding the optional alternative routes not being made permanent between Easton Bavents and Benacre, which could help avoid uncertainty caused by potential flooding of the broads. However, the Secretary of State supports Natural England’s position that these routes are only intended to be used when the main coastal path is closed due to flooding or tidal conditions. Where the Optional Alternative Routes (OARs) follow existing public rights of way or highways, public access is already legal. Elsewhere, OARs are only legally available when the main route is closed.
Representation number: MCA/AHS4/R/7/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/8/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/9/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/10/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/11/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/13/AHS1289; MCA/AHS4/R/14/AHS1349; MCA/AHS4/R/15/AHS1487; MCA/AHS4/R/17/AHS1488; MCA/AHS4/R/16/AHS1344; MCA/AHS4/R/18/AHS1489; MCA/AHS4/R/19/AHS1490; MCA/AHS4/R/20/AHS1348; MCA/AHS4/R/21/AHS1491; MCA/AHS4/R/22/AHS1346; MCA/AHS4/R/24/AHS1494; MCA/AHS4/R/23/AHS1493; MCA/AHS4/R/26/AHS1494; MCA/AHS4/R/25/AHS1341; MCA/AHS4/R/27/AHS1350; MCA/AHS4/R/42/AHS1347; MCA/AHS4/R/43/AHS1345; MCA/AHS4/R/36/AHS1498; MCA/AHS4/R/40/AHS1500; MCA/AHS4/R/41/AHS1501; MCA/AHS4/R/28/AHS1495; MCA/AHS4/R/30/AHS1496; MCA/AHS4/R/31/AHS1497; MCA/AHS4/R/35/AHS1338; MCA/AHS4/R/37/AHS1351; MCA/AHS4/R/38/AHS1499; MCA/AHS4/R/39/AHS1353
Organisation/ person making representation: [redacted]
Name of site: Benacre Estate
Report map reference: AHS 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4i, 4j, 4k
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: The route and optional alternative route sections AHS-4-S014 to AHS-4-S034, and AHS-4-OA004 to AHS-4-OA031
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State notes the representations’ concerns regarding the necessity of all proposed Optional Alternative Routes (OARs), including suggestions to remove or modify certain sections and to follow existing public rights of way where possible. However, the Secretary of State supports Natural England’s position that, due to the unpredictable and increasingly frequent flooding and breaching of the shingle banks at Easton, Benacre, and Covehithe Broads, the proposed OARs are necessary to ensure safe and continuous public access.
Representation number: MCA/AHS4/R/7/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/8/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/9/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/10/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/11/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/12/AHS1486; MCA/AHS4/R/13/AHS1289; MCA/AHS4/R/14/AHS1349; MCA/AHS4/R/15/AHS1487; MCA/AHS4/R/17/AHS1488; MCA/AHS4/R/16/AHS1344; MCA/AHS4/R/18/AHS1489; MCA/AHS4/R/19/AHS1490; MCA/AHS4/R/20/AHS1348; MCA/AHS4/R/21/AHS1491; MCA/AHS4/R/22/AHS1346; MCA/AHS4/R/24/AHS1494; MCA/AHS4/R/23/AHS1493; MCA/AHS4/R/26/AHS1494; MCA/AHS4/R/25/AHS1341; MCA/AHS4/R/27/AHS1350; MCA/AHS4/R/42/AHS1347; MCA/AHS4/R/43/AHS1345; MCA/AHS4/R/36/AHS1498; MCA/AHS4/R/40/AHS1500; MCA/AHS4/R/41/AHS1501; MCA/AHS4/R/28/AHS1495; MCA/AHS4/R/30/AHS1496; MCA/AHS4/R/31/AHS1497; MCA/AHS4/R/35/AHS1338; MCA/AHS4/R/37/AHS1351; MCA/AHS4/R/38/AHS1499; MCA/AHS4/R/39/AHS1353
Organisation/ person making representation: [redacted]
Name of site: Benacre Estate
Report map reference: AHS 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4i, 4j, 4k
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: AHS-4-OA005 to AHS-4-OA010, AHS-4-OA013 to AHS-4-OA016, AHS-4-OA018 to AHS-4-OA021 and AHS-4-OA024 to AHS-4-OA025
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation
The Secretary of State notes the representations’ concerns regarding the use of Optional Alternative Routes (OARs) that do not follow existing public rights of way and the preference for using established paths such as the Suffolk Coast Path. However, the Secretary of State supports Natural England’s position that the OARs are necessary where existing rights of way are impassable, frequently flooded, or do not provide safe and direct access for walkers.
Representation number: MCA/AHS4/R/7/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/8/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/9/AHS0375;MCA/AHS4/R/10/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/11/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/28/AHS1495; MCA/AHS4/R/30/AHS1496; MCA/AHS4/R/31/AHS1497; MCA/AHS4/R/35/AHS1338; MCA/AHS4/R/37/AHS1351; MCA/AHS4/R/38/AHS1499; MCA/AHS4/R/39/AHS1353
Organisation/ person making representation: [redacted]
Name of site: Benacre Estate
Report map reference: AHS 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4i, 4j, 4k
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: AHS-4-OA005 to AHS-4-OA010, AHS-4-OA013 to AHS-4-OA016, AHS-4-OA018 to AHS-4-OA021 and AHS-4-OA024 to AHS-4-OA025
Reference number(s) of any full representations relevant to this representation: MCA/AHS4/R/3/AHS0857 - Suffolk County Council; MCA/AHS4/R/2/AHS0873 - Suffolk LAF
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation :
The Secretary of State notes the representations’ concerns regarding the misuse of Optional Alternative Routes (OARs) outside their legal parameters. However, the Secretary of State supports Natural England’s position that this risk is minimised by aligning most OARs with existing public rights of way and through the use of clear signage to inform walkers when the OARs can be used safely and legally.
Representation number: MCA/AHS4/R/8/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/9/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/14/AHS1349; MCA/AHS4/R/15/AHS1487; MCA/AHS4/R/17/AHS1488; MCA/AHS4/R/16/AHS1344; MCA/AHS4/R/18/AHS1489; MCA/AHS4/R/19/AHS1490; MCA/AHS4/R/20/AHS1348; MCA/AHS4/R/21/AHS1491; MCA/AHS4/R/22/AHS1346; MCA/AHS4/R/24/AHS1494; MCA/AHS4/R/23/AHS1493; MCA/AHS4/R/26/AHS1494; MCA/AHS4/R/25/AHS1341; MCA/AHS4/R/27/AHS1350; MCA/AHS4/R/42/AHS1347; MCA/AHS4/R/43/AHS1345; MCA/AHS4/R/36/AHS1498; MCA/AHS4/R/40/AHS1500; MCA/AHS4/R/41/AHS1501; MCA/AHS4/R/32/AHS1333; MCA/AHS4/R/33/AHS1338
Organisation/ person making representation: [redacted]
Name of site: Covehithe and Warren House
Report map reference: AHS 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4i, 4j, 4k
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: AHS‐4‐OA13 to AHS‐4 OA16, AHS-4-OA024 to AHS‐4‐OA026
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation
Secretary of State notes the representations’ concerns regarding the potential impacts of the Optional Alternative Routes on residents’ privacy and rental income, particularly along Mill Lane and at Warren House. However, the Secretary of State supports Natural England’s position that the routes along Mill Lane largely follow existing public highways and rights of way, which already provide public access near these properties, and that the proposed modifications to the route near Warren House will address privacy concerns.
Representation number: MCA/AHS4/R/8/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/12/AHS1486; MCA/AHS4/R/13/AHS1289
Organisation/ person making representation: [redacted]
Name of site: The Warren and Covehithe Cliffs
Report map reference: AHS 4c and 4d
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: AHS-4-S0017, AHS‐4‐S020 to AHS-4-S024 and AHS-4-OA025
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation
The Secretary of State notes the representations’ concerns regarding biosecurity risks to livestock and the need for fencing to protect both animals and public safety along Mill Lane and adjacent route sections. However, the Secretary of State supports Natural England’s position that Mill Lane is a public highway where the Optional Alternative Route does not introduce new access rights affecting biosecurity. The Secretary of State also notes that permanent fencing is not appropriate due to coastal erosion but Natural England is willing to provide temporary electric fencing and signage to promote responsible access.
Representation number: MCA/AHS4/R/9/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/10/AHS0375
Organisation/ person making representation: Benacre Estate
Name of site: Pottersbridge Marshes and The Warren
Report map reference: 4i
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: AHS‐4‐OA005 to AHS‐4‐OA0010, AHS-4-OA013 to AHS-4-OA016
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation
The Secretary of State notes the representation’s concerns regarding the potential impacts of the Optional Alternative Routes on nature conservation, Environmental Stewardship Schemes, and disturbance to protected species. However, the Secretary of State supports Natural England’s position that no Higher Level Stewardship options are affected by the proposals, and that a Habitat Regulations Assessment and Nature Conservation Assessment has been carried out, demonstrating that the proposals will not adversely affect designated sites or protected species.
Representation number: MCA/AHS4/R/9/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/10/AHS0375; MCA/AHS4/R/33/AHS1338; MCA/AHS4/R/32/AHS1333; MCA/AHS4/R/12/AHS1486; MCA/AHS4/R/13/AHS1289
Organisation/ person making representation: [redacted]
Name of site: Warren House, The Warren, Covehithe Cliffs
Report map reference: AHS 4c, 4d, 4j
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: AHS-4-OA015, AHS‐4‐S017, AHS-4-S021
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State notes the representations’ concerns regarding the alignment of the route on land excepted from coastal access rights. However, the Secretary of State supports Natural England’s position that the proposals do not infringe on excepted land, except for a section (AHS-4-OA013 to AHS-4-OA016) for which a modification is being proposed.
Representation ID: MCA/AHS4/R/10/AHS0375
Organisation/ person making representation: Benacre Estate
Name of site: Pottersbridge Marshes, Benacre Estate
Report map reference: AHS 4b and 4i
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: AHS‐4‐OA005 to AHS‐4‐OA010 and AHS‐4‐OA012
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: None
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State notes the representation’s concerns regarding the lack of prior discussion about the infrastructure required for route sections AHS‐4‐OA005 to AHS‐4‐OA010. However, the Secretary of State supports Natural England’s position that the necessary infrastructure details are set out in Natural England’s report proposals and associated maps, and that appropriate consultation with the landowner will take place before establishment work is undertaken.
Representation ID: MCA/AHS4/R/1/AHS1470
Organisation/ person making representation: [redacted]
Name of site: Southwold to Pakefield
Report map reference: Map A (4h)
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: AHS-4-S062 to AHS-4-S075
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: None
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State notes the representation’s concerns regarding the safety of the proposed trail alignment between Kessingland and Pakefield due to cliff erosion. However, the Secretary of State supports Natural England’s position that the trail has been aligned a safe distance from the cliff edge, with appropriate safety signage proposed, and that the inclusion of roll-back provisions ensures the route can adjust inland in response to future erosion, maintaining public safety.
Representation ID: MCA/AHS4/R/4/AHS1485
Organisation/ person making representation: Woodland Trust
Name of site: Easton Wood SSSI SPA NNR
Report map reference: AHS 4c – Easton Wood to Green Heath
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: AHS-4-S016
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: None
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State notes the Woodland Trust’s concerns regarding the potential impacts of new infrastructure and path upgrades to Easton Wood and the need to minimise disturbance to irreplaceable habitats. However, the Secretary of State supports Natural England’s position that appropriate measures will be taken to ensure minimal impact, including oversight by Natural England’s National Nature Reserve staff to safeguard Easton Wood during establishment works.
Representation ID: MCA/AHS4/R/6/AHS1458
Organisation/ person making representation: Disabled Ramblers
Name of site: Southwold to Pakefield
Report map reference: AHS 4a to AHS 4k
Route sections on or adjacent to the land: All route sections generally
Other reports within stretch to which this representation also relates: None
Secretary of State’s conclusion and observation:
The Secretary of State notes the Disabled Ramblers’ concerns regarding the level of accessibility for people with limited mobility, particularly those using mobility vehicles. However, the Secretary of State supports Natural England’s position that the proposals have been developed in accordance with the principles of the Coastal Access Scheme and reasonable steps have been taken to make the trail as inclusive as practicable within the constraints of the natural terrain. The Secretary of State also notes that the framework used to deliver the KCIIIECP does not allow for diversions where the main route is unsuitable for mobility scooters, but the Disabled Ramblers may wish to engage with Suffolk County Council to explore future accessibility improvements.