PART 4SUPPLEMENTAL POWERS

Temporary suspension of public access to access land

21.—(1) This provision applies to the access land described in Schedule 6 (temporary suspension of public access to access land).

(2) The undertaker may, in connection with the authorised project temporarily—

(a)interfere with such parts of the access land as are affected by the authorised project by constructing, maintaining or decommissioning the relevant part of the authorised project as the undertaker considers necessary or expedient; and

(b)close to the public such parts of the access land as are affected by the authorised project during construction, maintenance or decommissioning of the relevant part of the authorised project.

(3) No fewer than 28 days before exercising any power under sub-paragraph (2), the undertaker must notify the South Downs National Park Authority as relevant planning authority of its intention to exercise such powers.

(4) During the period of any closure referred to in sub-paragraph (2)(b), all rights of access to the public are to be suspended.

(5) The power conferred by sub-paragraph (2) must be exercised in a way which secures—

(a)that no more of the relevant part of the access land is closed to the public at any time than is necessary in the circumstances; and

(b)that all reasonable steps are taken to secure that the period of closure is kept to a minimum and that the minimum obstruction or interference is caused to the public which may be intending to use the part so closed.

(6) As soon as practicable following the exercise of any powers under sub-paragraph (2), any temporary works, plant, machinery and fencing must be removed and access to the access land restored.