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Temporary suspension of public access to access land

22.—(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 or maintaining the connection works 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 or maintenance of the connection works.

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

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

(5) The power conferred by paragraph (2) shall 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 paragraph (2), any temporary works, plant, machinery and fencing shall be removed and access to the access land shall be restored.