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Proposals for the route of the England Coast Path on the Isle of Wight look set to avoid some of the best bits of coast.
We are dismayed that Natural England’s proposed route for the England Coast Path (ECP) on the Isle of Wight veers inland when it reaches the Osborne and Barton estates between East Cowes ferry and Wootton Bridge on the north-east coast. Heading east, instead of following the shore, the route goes along the busy A3021 road before entering fields—with little view of the sea.
The coast at Osborne where the path should run. The proposed alternative alongside the busy A3021. Photos: Mike Slater.
Ironically, the path was recently renamed the King Charles III ECP. The king’s great-great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria, lived at Osborne, and her son, King Edward VII (the king’s great-great-grandfather), gave it to the nation in 1902. Yet, it seems, the nation is to be prevented from enjoying its coastline, because English Heritage, which manages the property, refuses to allow the path to run through this land.
While the law requires that parks and gardens are treated as ‘excepted land’ which the path must avoid, we had hoped that English Heritage would act in the public interest and allow the path along the coast. English Heritage opposes the route on grounds of ‘security’ because treasures are housed at Osborne—but they are a long way from the foreshore. It also doesn’t want people to get in without paying. But there are many paid attractions crossed by public paths (Blenheim Palace and many National Trust country-house properties for instance) where there are no issues.
Time to make representations
The public has until 22 October to make representations. Landowners are able to make objections (which are given greater legal weight). The society will be making representations. The objections and representations will go to the Planning Inspectorate, and we hope for the transparency of a public inquiry. If you wish to make a representation see here.
We feel cheated that the path should be prevented from crossing land which belongs to the nation, and which has such splendid views of the sea.