Thanet Nature Conservation Umbrella Group

 OPEN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY.11TH APRIL 2002 AT THE WALPOLE BAY HOTEL. CLIFTONVILLE

1. MEMBERS PRESENT
   Bob Brown, Vera Elliott, John Rowland, Mike Wilson, Joe Gaugas, Alan Poole, Nigel Collingwood, Eileen Randall, David Neden, A T Burbridge, Sarah Meakins, W Matthews, Dennis Neville, R T Hills, M J Pearce, A S Bruce, Brian & Debbie Stewart, W Carr, Christine Gift, Muriel Arnett, Andy Farrell, Shirley May, Joyce McCoy, R Quested, John Milford, Bernard Clayson, Diane Hunt, Sarah D, A Palmer, J Hopkins, Grant Roberson, Lee Edwards, Peter Langford, Dr Jack Cohen, and David Cooper.
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
   Roger Gale M.P, Peter Forrest, Malcolm Kirkaldy, David Britton, Tessa Holmes, Camille Sutton, and David Ledger .
3. THE CHAIRMAN
   The Chairman Dr Cohen asked for members who were interested in the 'Mapping Out the Future' - the Kent and Medway Structure Plan workshop to be held on 25.4.02. 15 Members indicated their interest.
   The Chairman read out. a letter from the Director of Planning Services, Thanet District Council, addressing queries made regarding the Turner Centre, Water Quality, Foreness Point, the Pegwell Footpath and Brown and Mason's Yard, Broadstairs. He also read a letter from the Principal Local Plans Officer on the subject of Community Woodlands.
4. FIRST PRESENTATION
   This was presented by Diana Pound of English Nature. She reported that EN's remit was to manage some Nature Reserves, to inform the general public, to administer SSSIs, and to handle a limited number of grants
   She went on to explain the importance of Thanet -its geology, its caves containing rare algae, and the fact that three bird species occurred in internationally important numbers (Turostone, Golden Plover and Little Tern). This combination has resulted in Thanet's coast having candidate Special Area of Conservation and Specially Protected Area status. EN has a duty to assess new plans and projects and advise upon their possible impact upon the area and has a responsibility to manage ongoing conservation initiatives. She reported that EN had a duty to pull together all interests in the area and to monitor the situation. To this end, Codes of Conduct had been introduced to increase public awareness and a dedicated officer (Tony Childs) had been appointed. The importance of wildlife had been emphasised, but it was also necessary to acknowledge the rights of other interests. She reported that it had been held that an Environmental Impact Assessment for the area had been considered 'inappropriate'. When asked to elaborate on this by the Chairman, she informed the meeting that Thanet District Council had objected to CSAC status for the Thanet Coast.
5. SECOND PRESENTATION
       Peter Langford of Thanet District Council.
       Mr Langford spoke on the subject of 'Public Service Agreements'. As there is a limit to the power held by local government, PSAs were introduced as a means of bringing together all 'partners'. The Thanet Coast was given as an instance of the local community having no choice other than to co- operate to achieve anything. The resultant arrangements lack the force of statutory powers, but has the effect of bringing together' senior players' in the anticipation of achieving consensus. He reported that by this process of linking' key players' such as the District Council and the Health Authority, a Local Strategic Partnership had been established (LSP) which was designed to build on existing arrangements and to aim at 'inclusion'. (See attached as Appendix 1).
       Mr Langford described the priorities which had been identified, which included social, medical, employment, environmental and industrial concerns.
       He informed the meeting that he could be contacted on his e-mail: peter.langford@thanet.gov.uk 
       The Chairman asked whether there would be any benefits for the Group. Mr Langford said that in financial terms there would be none.
6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
       Robin Hills asked whether it would be possible to be kept up-to-date on developments with regard to the incinerator.
       The Chairman agreed that this would be done. The Chairman reported that he was continuing to pursue the issue of the Administration Officer.
       Brian Stewart circulated a Press Release on behalf of the Thanet Beachwatch Group. (See attached at Appendix II).
       Diane Hunt of the Thanet and Surrounds Permaculture Group asked whether that group could become involved in the TNCUG.
       The Chairman agreed that this could be done.
7. NEXT MEETING
       This will be held on Thursday, 6th June 2002 at 7.00 p.m. in the Walpole Bay Hotel, Cliftonville.