Powers of entry
1044.Paragraph 9 provides for powers of entry. Sub-paragraph (1) sets out the purposes for which a person authorised by Natural England may enter any land. These are: for surveying that or any other land in preparing a report containing proposals for the coastal route; considering representations made in respect of a report; determining how to treat a river estuary under section 301, and advising the Secretary of State in relation to the power to specify islands under section 300. Sub-paragraph (2) sets out purposes for which a person authorised by either Natural England or the access authority may enter any land. These are: for determining whether any works are necessary under paragraph 2(3) of this Schedule; for the purpose of carrying out any works (relating to means of access for the purpose of the coastal access duty and to establishment and maintenance of the coastal route) under section 35(2)(a) of the CROW Act, under paragraph 2(6) or paragraph 3(7), or under 36(1) or (5) or 37(5) of the CROW Act; to determine whether the public is able to exercise rights of access with regard to the coastal route on land subject to section 15 of the CROW Act; for the purposes of an appeal made against a notice made under paragraph 4; and for the purposes of erecting, maintaining or removing a notice or sign under paragraphs 6 or 8 or, as regards land which is coastal margin, under section 19 of the CROW Act.
1045.Sub-paragraph (3) provides for the provisions in section 40(5) to (7), (9) and (10) of the CROW Act, which apply to the exercise of powers of entry and rights under section 40 of that Act, also to apply in relation to a person exercising the powers of entry and other rights conferred by this paragraph.
1046.Sub-paragraph (4) has the effect of applying the powers relating to compensation under section 41 of the CROW Act to a body by which an authorisation may be given under this section.
1047.Sub-paragraph (5)(a) provides that where a person authorised to enter land is to carry out any works under sub-paragraphs (2)(b) or (c), either a notice has to have been given to the occupier under paragraph 2(6) or under sections 36 or 37 of the CROW Act or at least 7 days’ notice must be given to the occupier before the person may enter the land. The effect of this is to ensure that where notice has been given to the owner (who is not also the occupier) of land under paragraph 2(6) or under sections 36 or 37 of the CROW Act then the occupier of land is given at least 7 days’ notice. Sub-paragraph (5)(b) provides that in any other case, where a power of entry is exercised under this paragraph at least 24 hours’ notice must be given to the occupier unless it is not reasonably practicable to give such notice.