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Thanet Nature Conservation Umbrella Group |
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Thanet Nature Conservation Umbrella Group |
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OPEN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
THURSDAY
3rd OCTOBER 2002
AT THE WALPOLE BAY HOTEL. CLIFTONVILLE
1. MEMBERS PRESENT:
Gerry O'Donnell, Lynne Sutton, Jean Pain, Bert Windsor, John Milford, Steve Villette, Zeena Cohen, Shirley May, Huntly Mayo, Mr Rosso, David Neden, D Neville, Douglas & Moira Bush, Peter Elliott, Robin Hills, Joyce McCoy, Bernard Clayson, S Andrews, J Mellor, Eleanor Scott, Phil Scott, John Rowland, Rosemary Quested, Phil Bellingham, John Bellingham, Jack Cohen, D Britton
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Roger Gale M.P, David Ledger, Tony Child, Paul Verrall, Brian and Debbie Stewart, Grant Roberson, Sarah Meakins, Brian and Debbie Stewart, David Mairs and Eileen Randall.
3. MINUTES:
The Minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true and accurate record.
4. MATTERS ARISING:
The Chairman reported that further to his representations made on behalf of the TNCUG, LA21 Steering Group Minutes are to be published on the website.
The Chairman circulated an advertisement which had been published relating to the new LA21 and Health Improvement Co-ordinator post with TDC.
The Chairman reported that he had a map delineating the extent of the protected area at Pegwell Bay.
5. HARTSDOWN PARK: (This item was taken out of order published in the Agenda)
It was proposed that:
"The Thanet Conservation Umbrella Group deplores the taking of public parkland for other uses detrimental to its current status."
This was proposed by Dr David Neden and seconded by Bernard Clayson. The motion was passed unanimously.
The Chairman agreed to advise Thanet District Council of this proposal.
6. INCINERATOR PLANTS:
The Chairman reported that he had received a letter from Kent County Council which stated that the KCC would not support any proposal for an incinerator at Richborough. The Chairman invited Mr Phil Scott of SAGE to address the meeting.
Mr Scott informed the meeting that the technology proposed for the incinerator or 'waste burner' proposed by Brightstar EDL (Aus) for Canterbury had been refused in Australia.
Mr Scott referred to a document -'REACT' issued by the Canterbury Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives.
Mr Scott was asked whether the option of composting had been considered. He reported that this issue was being actively pursued by SAGE who were lobbying the Government and the EU on this subject.
It was suggested that a group similar to SAGE be established specifically for Thanet, but it was agreed that Mr Scott would continue to brief concerned groups and he advised that members with a particular interest in this area should join existing pressure groups.
The Chairman agreed to distribute SAGE forms. The Chairman also agreed to issue a press release on the subject of SAGE's work.
7. RAMSGATE HARBOUR:
The Chairman reported that he had enquired of Trevor Herron of Thanet District Council as to the current situation and, in particular, pollution controls if needed, to protect the Pegwell SSSI.
Mr Herron had stated that, as yet, no formal planning application had been received, but as and when it is, it would be dealt with in the usual way.
8. WOODLANDS:
The Chairman reported that Greenlight were very keen to support any local woodland planting initiative. They advise the obtaining of local support from as many sources as possible -particularly schools.
It was agreed that this issue would be deferred to the next meeting when Grant Roberson, the TNCUG Woodlands Project Officer would give an update.
9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
The Vice-Chairman announced that he had copies of a map which details the area that would be affected by the rumoured permitting of the flooding of the Wansum Channel.
Mr Binding said that as Cliffe is part of a Ramsar Site, if building is allowed upon it, a replacement would need to be found to honour the UK's international obligations. This would demand extensive public consultation.
The Vice-Chairman suggested that there were great difficulties involved in the creation of new habitats and questioned whether 'managed retreat' was a good idea for the Wansum Channel. In addition to other considerations, this would have a major impact upon Manston.
Mr Binding suggested that the Department of Transport should be invited to address a group meeting. The Chairman suggested that the Chief Executive of TDC should also be invited. It was agreed that invitations should be sent to both.
The Chairman confirmed that the group does have a bank account.
Copies of a poster on Thanet Coastal Birdwatch and another on the subject of Phocins Distemper that kills seals and can infect dogs, provided by Mr Tony Child, Project Officer for TDC, were circulated.
The AGM previously scheduled for the 5th December 2002 will now be held on Wednesday. 4th December 2002 at 7.00 p.m. at the Walpole Bay Hotel, Cliftonville.
The meeting closed at 8.40 p.m.
For information on incinerator update:
SAGE: e-mail: sage.kent@britishlibrary.net
REACT: e-mail: reactaction@hotmail.com