Public access and coastal walkways

In considering development proposals within the developed or undeveloped coast attention must be paid to the retention of existing public accesses and coastal walkways. Development which would result in the closure of existing access points or the severing of routes will normally only be acceptable where a suitable alternative is provided. Proposals to extend access to the coastline or for the provision of associated facilities such as pathways or picnic areas, should not impact adversely on the nature conservation, archaeological/built heritage, geological or landscape value of the area.