Memorandum submitted by the Duchy of Cornwall
(DMB 52)
1. COASTAL ACCESS
IN ESTUARIES
1.1 Promoting estuary access needs careful
consideration. In many cases the first convenient pedestrian crossing
point may be a long way upstream and creating access over what
may be a substantial distance should have regard to the potential
effect on what in some cases could be ecologically and or commercially
important sites. Creating an access should be considered in the
context of the likely benefit, especially if the estuary is dendritic
in nature. Very often the public will simply wish to visit the
open coast and prefer not to take, what may amount to significant
inland detours.
1.2 The way and manner in which estuary
crossings are defined in the resultant legislation are key to
how appropriate access can be delivered
1.3 Estuaries are very often the commercially
sensitive areas of the coast. In some rivers in Cornwall (as well
as other estuaries around the country) for example there are extensive
shellfish beds and racks. It is perhaps not in the interests of
the business proprietors to have unfettered public access to their
produce which could leave them vulnerable to losses. The same
principle applies to tidal river moorings, where boats may be
themselves vulnerable. The question needs to be considered whether
there really is a need to allow access to these areas. There is
perhaps a case for enabling a procedure for areas to be excluded
on application if they fall within (pre determined) criteria
Christopher Matthews
Deputy Land Steward
Duchy of Cornwall
May 2008
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