The planned new path includes a section around Lyme Bay. Photo: Simon Palmer CC-BY-SA-2.0

The Government’s official outdoors body has published plans for the latest stretch of the proposed England Coast Path.

Natural England said, if approved, the 67km (42-mile) stretch along the Jurassic Coast would significantly improve the existing South West Coast Path.

The proposals cover the section of shoreline between Lyme Regis and Rufus Castle in Dorset.

The new route will bring the existing national trail closer to the sea in places and enable it 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.

Fran Davies, Natural England’s area manager for Dorset said: “We are proposing improvements to the existing South West Coast Path route which, if approved, will include additional and improved walking rights and give unparalleled views from Dorset’s well known and stunning coastline.

“We’ve worked closely with landowners, businesses and farmers on the plans and thank them warmly for their time and constructive conversations so far. It’s taken time to get the proposals to this point – we rightly have to consider the potential impacts on the protected and vibrant natural heritage of the area.”

Councillor Peter Finney, Dorset County Council’s cabinet member for environment and economy, said: “Dorset is very proud to be among the first counties in England to have a large part of its coastline dedicated to the England Coastal Path. This additional 67km will allow increased access to our beautiful and historic coastline for residents and tourists alike.

“The proposed improvements will help manage access and keep those using the coast path safe.”

There is now a period of eight weeks for legal interests and members of the public to make objections or representations, that the Secretary of State must take into account when considering whether to approve the proposals.

If approved, the Dorset section will form part of the planned 4,345km (2,700-mile) path around the coast of England.

Anyone can make representations to Natural England about the report during the eight-week period. Owners and occupiers of affected land can make objections about the report on specified grounds, which will be considered by a planning inspector before the Secretary of State makes a final decision.

All representations and objections must be received by Natural England no later than 5pm on Wednesday 2 September.