PLANS to improve access along a 90 kilometre stretch of coast between Brean Down and Minehead have been officially unveiled.

If the proposals from Natural England are approved, the new route would become part of the England Coast Path - the designated long distance walking route being developed around the entire English coast.

The new Somerset section would skirt the Quantock Hills, featuring spectacular sea views over the Bristol Channel and a varied landscape - a haven for over-wintering birds and the location for a number of historical sites, including Daw's Castle near Watchet.

The route has been drawn up following lengthy discussions with landowners and other interested parties and is designed to integrate with other major projects in the area, including the Environment Agency's scheme to create more than 400 hectares of new wetland habitat at Steart.

The route also takes into account proposals for a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point, while the existing pathways of the West Somerset Coast Path and the northern extent of the River Parrett Trail have been incorporated where possible.

In addition to recommending new sections, the proposals also outline improvements to existing access to the coast between Brean Down and Minehead.

These include the identification of a clear and continuous way-marked walking route along the coast, bringing some sections of the existing coastal footpath closer to the sea and linking some places together for the first time.

The proposals would also allow the route to 'roll back' in the event of coastline erosion or a slip, as well as securing legal rights of public access for the first time to the area's beaches.

The report is the first issued under the revised Coastal Access Scheme, a methodology approved by the Government in July, which streamlines the process followed on each stretch of coast.

Mark Jones, Natural England's area manager for Somerset, said the proposals were the result of nearly two years' detailed work in partnership with Somerset County Council, landowners and other interested parties.

"In essence these proposals present an opportunity to improve and enhance access to a wonderful stretch of Somerset's coastline," he said.

And county council cabinet member with responsibility for rights of way, Cllr Harvey Siggs, said if they went ahead, it would be the first time that a continuous walking route would be available along the coastline of the whole county.

"We expect the route to bring additional trade to local businesses throughout the year ad along the whole route," he said.

The proposals have also won the support of Visit Somerset, the destination management organisation behind the county's leisure and tourism industry.

Its vice chairman John Turner said the new walking coast path would go a long way in raising awareness of Somerset's stunning coastline.

The proposals are now subject to an eight-week consultation to allow the public and anyone with legal interests to make objections or representations that the Secretary of State must take into account when considering whether to approve them.

Owners and occupiers of affected land can make objections on specified grounds, which will be considered by a planning inspector before a final decision is taken.

But all comments must be received by Natural England by 5pm on December 12.

The proposals can be viewed in council offices and libraries along the coastline affected, as well as at http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/">www.naturalengland.org.uk/ coastalaccess.