Further supplementary memorandum submitted
by Natural England (DMB 56d)
BREAKDOWN OF
NATURAL ENGLAND'S
£50 MILLION ESTIMATE
The main elements of Natural England's projected
expenditure are:
1. Funding for access authority staff.
The assumption on which the estimate is based is that funding
would be required for one full time project officer to be based
in each coastal access authority for three years on average—with
variation of the actual term of employment according to the actual
size and complexity of each authority's coastline. Provision is
also included for administrative costs and necessary expenses,
and for the cost of developing IT/GPS equipment and a spatial
database to facilitate the work of project officers.
2. Funding for establishment works to
facilitate new access. This cost estimate is based on work
undertaken by independent consultants. Requirements for new infrastructure
(such as steps, bridges, drainage, signs and notices) are based
on surveys of existing access in four study areas selected to
be representative of the English coast. Where appropriate, Natural
England's indicative costs for installation of infrastructure
are based on Agri-environment scheme payments or on payments under
the Access Management Grant Scheme (which funded access authorities
in carrying out work to improve access on CROW land). The estimates
allow for creation of new access on over 2,000 kms of coast at
an estimated cost of £4,945 per km. Natural England does
not envisage widespread use of new fencing or artificial surfacing.
3. Funding for improvements to existing
access. The cost estimates assume that some improvements will
be required where existing access on the coast does not meet a
satisfactory standard. Costs are included in the estimate for
improvements on 780 km of existing access, based on a slightly
lower level than the cost of creating new access above (64%) at
an estimated cost of £3,185 per km.
4. Challenge fund. The proposals
for improving access to the coast are for access on foot. However,
we are interested in improving access for other users such as
horse riders and cyclists where it is appropriate to do so and
in agreement with landowners. Natural England's £50 million
estimate therefore includes provision for a fund to contribute
to locally—based initiatives to deliver wider access improvements.
5. Funding for maintenance. Natural
England's estimate of costs of maintenance during the 10 year
implementation period are based on £580 per km per year.
This is based on the average maintenance and management costs
for coastal national trails as estimated by independent consultants
(RPA Ltd). The estimate takes into account that where the route
is an existing right of way the Highway Authority will remain
legally responsible for maintenance.
6. Other costs. Allowance is made
for research and monitoring, including for assessments of any
impacts on nature conservation interests; and for a communications
programme to inform people of the new right.
7. Contingency fund. Natural England
recognises that there may be costs which cannot be anticipated
at this stage of the project and a 5% contingency fund has been
allowed within the estimate.
Natural England is continuing to refine the
cost estimates as implementation plans develop.
Natural England
June 2008
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