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Marine and Coastal Access Bill [HL]

My Lords, I meant to put my name to the amendment, but I missed the deadline. I support the amendment and the spirit behind it. I ask the Minister to consider the fact that we are talking about the grounds for the designation of MCZs. If the grounds for designation can be features of geological or geomorphological interest, which are in the list, it is strange—as the noble Baroness, Lady Hooper, explained so well when she talked about the interaction between sea and land—that things other than those of geological or geomorphological interest seem to be excluded. Seascapes are about the totality of the picture. I recognise, as does the noble Baroness, Lady Hooper, that this is an evolving issue. It is crucial because it is in these areas, between the mean high water mark and the mean low water mark, that local authorities and MMOs will have to work closely together on planning issues. Those issues will be very real to people: they will concern the coast that they see, love and look at. It is critical, as the high-level objectives are worked towards—whether in the forthcoming heritage Bill or guidance that goes out to local authorities and the MMO—that this matter is developed with all speed.