Natural England's plans for an improved Emsworth path – update
It has been a long wait to
find out exactly what Natural England (NE) plan for the
route round Chichester Harbour as part of the King Charles
Ill England Coast Path (KCIIIECP).
NE's plans for the section
from the end of Warblington Road to Nore Barn Woods first
became available last summer (2023) when an inspector from
the Planning Inspectorate came to check this area. On 16
July 2024 the Secretary of State approved the final plans
for the 'improved' path.
What is happening to the
section of path:from West Emsworth into Nore Barn Woods?
From the shore end of Warblington Road. looking west. the
raised path along the sea¬wall behind the beach will be
lengthened with a boardwalk approximately 30m long before it
goes into the shingle where the beach level rises slightly.
Then there will be a gap across the beach - and NE say that
the ramp, which comes out from the dinghy park there, will
be not blocked in any way. A more solid approach path (about
2.75m wide). will go on to the bridge, with gabions either
side to keep this new surface in place. The existing bridge
surface itself will be raised and the existing culvert pipe
will be repaired. Railings will be added either side of the
bridge for safety. The path then leading west into Nore Barn
Woods. will be strengthened and drainage improved on the
surface of it - again with gabions either side. As people
cross the bridge, on the way into the woods, there will be a
small area on the left roped off to protect it and thus
encourage the return of suitable vegetation in that area.
The total cost of this work is not yet known, but central
government funding is available from Defra. The NE plans and
information regard¬ing this work are on the
Maisemore Gardens website:
Natural England's proposalsto
the Secretary of State for this stretch of the KCIIIECP can
be viewed on the GOV.UK website:
King Charles III England Coast Path: South Hayling to
East
Will the bridge be closed when the work happens?
The work plan is not yet
available. but notices will be put up by HCC to advise the
public of any work that is imminent. An alternative route
will be signed by Hampshire CC and in addition a banksman to
oversee walkers will also be considered. The planners are
very much aware of the daily usage by walkers at this
location. Final timescales have not yet been set, however NE
say work would be completed as soon as possible. taking
between two weeks and a month. This could happen within the
next year.
Maggie Gebbett
113th October
Published in the
EMS Autumn 2024
Page updated:
Monday February 03, 2025