A national coastal path initiative could be scuppered by the risk it poses to a timeless collection of memorabilia at East Cowes' Osborne House.
The proposed 2,704-mile King Charles III coastal path around England would have been situated around 1.2km from Osborne House itself, although it would need to enter the surrounding grounds.
The proposed path would be about 300m in length near the coast between Norris and Barton Wood.
A spokesperson for National England, the group negotiating about the proposed coastal route, told Isle of Wight Radio:
"In this case the Osborne estate is designated as a heritage park and garden and so exempt from the scheme.
"However, within the scheme there is also an expectation that English Heritage will volunteer a dedicated path through the estate.
"They (say they) are unable to do this as they have to protect the royal collection, (but) there are many estates throughout England that have public rights of way without security issues.
"East Cowes has no public footpaths leading into the countryside. The provision of the new National Trail provides an opportunity to correct this situation.
"It would also create a superb coastal path which would be good for residents and the tourist economy.
"There is a golf course at Osborne where members and guests can freely use the facility. But walkers are being told to walk along the road.
"Osborne is owned by the nation and now part of the Crown Estate — surely a national trail should be allowed to cross a very small section of a national asset.
"Isle of Wight Ramblers recently met with Osborne management and we do understand their concerns about protecting the royal collection.
"But we also feel that the issues can be resolved and we urge Natural England to provide a solution."
The short stretch on the Isle of Wight is one of three parts of England’s coast which has yet to accept proposals for what would become the world's longest managed pathway.
A protest is planned for May 6.
English Heritage is refusing access to the grounds of Osborne House.
The estate’s management say they can't risk the security of “an irreplaceable collection".
Tom King, English Heritage’s Historic Properties Director for the South of England, said:
“We’ve worked closely with Natural England over a number of years to see whether the coastal path could go through Osborne but ultimately, the unique security and conservation challenges posed by the path to this historic site couldn’t be overcome.
“As a Registered Park & Garden, Osborne is exempt from the coastal path scheme but we very much wanted to see if we could find a way of facilitating the path.
"Unfortunately, the risk the path would pose to the security of the site – including Osborne’s irreplaceable collection – as well as to the historic gardens was just too great.
"We appreciate that this will be disappointing to some and we want to explore with the Ramblers how else we could open up Osborne to its walkers.”
"For several years, English Heritage has been actively involved in discussions about the proposal that the King Charles III England Coast Path would go through Osborne.
"We have been open throughout about the challenges that poses in terms of our responsibility to care for the estate’s precious collections and historic setting.
"As a charity, English Heritage cares for over 400 properties across the country, and the vast majority offer free open access including, on the Island, St Catherine’s Oratory in Chale and Appuldurcombe House in Wroxall.
"The charity makes considerable efforts and investment in enabling access where possible and has welcomed public walking routes at coastal properties such as Tintagel Castle in Cornwall."
"The proposed coastal path through the Osborne estate has been given careful and thorough consideration, but unfortunately it will not be possible.
"This decision is principally due to security and conservation concerns, and has not been taken lightly. It follows years of discussions with Natural England, and a considerable investment in time and effort exploring alternative options.
"English Heritage has a remit to protect both Osborne’s historic setting and its irreplaceable collection, and the proposed coastal path compromises both.
"The estate is home to a priceless collection of around 10,000 items belonging to the Crown, with many housed in Swiss Cottage near to the coast.
"We also have to consider our responsibility to maintain the historic setting of Osborne and care for protected habitats such as the SSSI of Osborne beach.
"It is considered that the volume of walkers and infrastructure required to facilitate a path would have a detrimental impact on the historic landscape.
"We want to explore with the Ramblers how else we could open up Osborne to its walkers."
As a Registered Park & Garden, Osborne is offered exemption from offering coastal access within the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and the 2013 Guide: Coastal Access; Natural England’s Approved Scheme.
Isle Of Wight Council To Move To Committee System In 2025
Highway Improvement At Church Litten Next Week
Isle Of Wight Beaches Praised In Clean Water League Table
Man Arrested After Being Caught During Act Of Self-Gratification In Newport
May Day Bank Holiday Recycling And Waste Collection Information
Isle Of Wight Ambulance Service Star Louise Awarded King’s Ambulance Medal
Stranded RIB Towed To Safety By Cowes Lifeboat
Major Highway Works Taking Place Across Isle Of Wight This Month
Three Men Arrested On Suspicion Of 'Attempting To Take Child'
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary Rescue To Bring First Bears To Isle Of Wight For 30 Years
One Week To Go Until Isle Of Wight Walking Festival 25th Anniversary
Apply Now For Grant Funding To Help Strengthen Family Support On Isle Of Wight
Pavers Shoes The Latest Newport Business To Close Its Doors
Isle Of Wight Libraries Celebrate World Book Night
Traffic Advice Issued For Walk The Wight
Hovertravel's Hoverbus Showcases All-New Look
Bear Grylls Pays Homage To Young Islander Ginny Following Ultimate Scouting Award
Southern Vectis To Open May Community Fund For Worthy Causes Across Isle Of Wight
Terrorism Plot Teen From Isle Of Wight Further Sentenced
Ryde's Waterside Pool Secures £254,000 Of Government Refurbishment Funding
