Proposed plans from Natural England for the extension of King Charles III's England Coast Path on the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight (IOW) took a significant step forward in its quest for improved coastal access, as the Secretary of State approved various proposals over the past few years.
Back in March 2020, the IOW Council and local community groups submitted proposals aimed at enhancing access to the island's coastline. Since then, these proposals have been under review, with the Secretary of State giving their approval to several sections at different times.
On 5 May 2023, the Secretary of State approved proposals for lengths IOW8 and IOW9. A year later, on 7 May 2024, approval was given for IOW6. The following year, on an unspecified date after 6 April 2022, the Secretary of State approved the proposals for IOW4 and IOW5. In October 2024, IOW3 received the green light, and in May 2025, the Secretary of State approved proposals for lengths IOW2, IOW7, and IOW10.
Each report corresponds to a different section of the Isle of Wight coast, and an index map is provided to help find the relevant report for a specific length of coast. The reports, which are available as a series of separate documents, include background information, maps, and more detailed descriptions of the proposals.
The opportunity to comment on these proposals closed at midnight on 9 June 2020, and all representations and objections were duly considered before a final decision was made about the report. As of now, making a representation or objection on the proposals is no longer possible.
Natural England will publish further details of the approved routes at a later date, providing the public with a clearer understanding of the changes that are to come. The improved coastal access on the Isle of Wight is expected to enhance the enjoyment of the island's beautiful coastline for residents and visitors alike.
