Cumbria’s Heritage Coast set for expansion

Copeland Council and Natural England are set to implement plans to extend Heritage Coast status from St Bees Head northwards towards Whitehaven.

The National Trust, Colourful Coast Partnership, Copeland Council and Natural England have been working together on the proposal, which was put out to public consultation in December, receiving no objections.

Heritage Coast status is intended to help preserve the natural beauty of the coastline, coastal and marine flora and fauna, and heritage features, and according to the council can help attract visitors and grant funding. The status also gives the area protection in the Local Plan in order to block “inappropriate and unsympathetic development”.

The four-mile St Bees Head Heritage Coast is the only heritage coast between Wales and Scotland, and the only area of high sea cliffs in the North West. It is known as an ‘orphan’ heritage coast, meaning it doesn’t fall within an Area Of Natural Beauty or National Park.

National Trust and the council was advised by LUC.

If the extension is approved by the council next week, the plan will be submitted to Natural England, after which a partnership agreement will be drawn up and signed. Partners such as the National Trust can then develop a management plan for the area.