Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his timetable is for announcing a final decision on Natural England’s proposals for the English coastal path from Birkenhead to the Welsh border.

The Birkenhead to Welsh Border stretch of the England Coast Path has been split into three lengths. Length 1 (Seacombe Ferry Terminal, Birkenhead to Red Rocks Slipway, Hoylake) and length 3 (‘The Boat House’ Public House, Parkgate to the Welsh border) were approved by the Secretary of State on the 7^th July and establishment works can now begin.

Length 2 (Red Rocks Slipway, Hoylake to ‘The Boat House’ Public House, Parkgate) has not yet been determined as a Planning Inspectorate investigation into objections received on the length is ongoing. On completion of this by the Appointed Person, a report will be submitted to the department for consideration in the Secretary of State’s determination decision.