Part I

Access to the countryside
Chapter II

Exclusion or restriction of access

Directions by relevant authority: general.
27
1
Before giving a direction under section 24, 25 , 25A or 26 in relation to land in an area for which there is a local access forum so as to exclude or restrict access to the land—
a
indefinitely, or
b
during a period which exceeds, or may exceed, six months,
the relevant authority shall consult the local access forum.
2
Any direction under section 24, 25, 25A or 26 may be revoked or varied by a subsequent direction under that provision.
3
Where a direction given under section 24, 25, 25A or 26 in relation to any land by the relevant authority excludes or restricts access to the land—
a
indefinitely,
b
for part of every year or of each of six or more consecutive calendar years, or
c
for a specified period of more than five years,
the authority shall review the direction not later than the fifth anniversary of the relevant date.
4
In subsection (3) “the relevant date”, in relation to a direction, means—
a
the day on which the direction was given, or
b
where it has already been reviewed, the day on which it was last reviewed.
5
Before revoking or varying a direction under section 24 or 25 which was given on the application of a person interested in the land to which the direction relates (“the original applicant”), the relevant authority shall—
a
where the original applicant still holds the interest in the land which he held when he applied for the direction and it is reasonably practicable to consult him, consult the original applicant, and
b
where the original applicant does not hold that interest, consult any person who holds that interest and with whom consultation is reasonably practicable.
6
Before revoking or varying a direction under section 26, the relevant authority shall consult the relevant advisory body as defined by section 26(6), unless the direction falls within section 26(5).
7
Subsection (1) does not apply if the direction is made in accordance with section 55F(2) of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside
Act 1949 (directions set out in report approving proposals for English coastal route).
8
Nothing in subsection (5) or (6) has effect in relation to a direction ceasing to have effect by virtue of section 3A(7) (pre-existing directions ceasing to have effect at end of access preparation period for coastal margin).
S. 27(7)(8) added (E.) (6.4.2010) by The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (England) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/558), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 22(3)
Words in s. 27(1)-(3) inserted (E.) (6.4.2010) by The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (England) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/558), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 22(2)