PLANS to improve public access along a 42-mile stretch of Dorset coast between Kimmeridge Bay and Highcliffe have been revealed by Natural England.

These proposals, published today, recommend a new waymarked route between Poole Harbour and Highcliffe, incorporating the promenades of Poole and Bournemouth, Christchurch Harbour, and finishing on the county border at Chewton Bunny.

If approved, the route will become part of the England Coast Path - a 2,700 mile walking route and England’s newest National Trail, currently being developed around the entire English coast by Natural England.

Natural England’s area manager for Dorset, Fran Davies, said: “We’re excited to publish our thoughts on the new route through this highly-prized coastal landscape.

“We’ve worked with many passionate landowners and key organisations to get to this stage, for which we are hugely grateful. We look forward to hearing people’s views on establishing a lasting legacy along this stretch of coast.”

There is now an eight week period for legal interests and members of the public to make objections or representations, which will be taken into account by the Secretary of State when considering whether to approve the plans or not.

The latest proposals recommend minor amendments to the existing South West Coast Path route between Kimmeridge Bay and the mouth of Poole Harbour. These amendments include the path at St Aldhem’s Head, Dancing Ledge, Old Harry Rocks, Studland and Swanage.

A Natural England spokesman explained: “Importantly, it would enable the existing coast path in the future to ‘roll back’ when erosion occurs using a simpler and more cost-effective process. If approved, this will resolve the well-known and long-standing difficulties with maintaining a continuous walking route along this eroding coast.”

This is the third stretch of the England Coast Path to be developed in Dorset, after a 20-mile route between Rufus Castle, Portland, and Lulworth Cove was opened in 2012.

Proposals for a second 42-mile stretch, from Lyme Regis to Rufus Castle, are currently under consideration.

Visit gov.uk/englandcoastpath to view the full report and to find out how to make representations before the August 16 deadline.