Costal property values versus national footpath plan

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) believes that Government proposals to open the British coast-line to walkers and nature lovers could damage property prices.

The Marine Bill, due to be published this week, is proposing the creation of a 2,800 mile-long corridor that gives the public free access to the entire English coast.

It is hoped that the walkway will be fully open sometime during the coming decade.

However, the Rics is warning of the consequences for property owners who could see their properties down-valued.

In addition, Damian Cleghorn, Rics public policy officer, believes: “Unbridled public access could have a detrimental impact on sensitive environmental coastal areas, threatening the biodiversity so valued by the public.”

With regard to property prices Mr Cleghorn comments: “Given that security and safety problems are likely to cause property values to fall by as much as 20%, the decision not to compensate landowners is unfair and punitive.”

He goes on to warn that: “The government might find themselves the subject of extensive litigation as property owners seek to overcome this draconian breach of their human rights.”

It is estimated that the scheme will cost between £2 million and £5 million annually to implement.

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