Thanet Nature Conservation Umbrella Group

1. Minutes: Muriel Arnett stated that although she had been a member since the beginning she had not regularly received the minutes.

3. "Standing Up for Thanet" Richard Moyes, Kent Wildlife Trust’s Senior Conservation Officer. (Responsible for policy and planning issues)

Mr Moyes spoke about the work of the Trust and what it has been doing in Thanet for nature conservation.

Of most notes, for conservation in the area, is Pegwell Bay, which comprises 15,000 acres of National Nature Reserve. (NNR) This is managed on behalf of the landowners of which there are many including TDC, DDC, Pfizer Ltd and RSPB. Outreach work is carried out by Chas Matthews, who regularly takes groups out; this is a major part of the Trust’s involvement –appreciation of the countryside.

There is very little semi-natural habitat left, some though, is very high quality. Thanet Coast Special Area of Conservation is a European level designation under the Habitats Directive. This protects the chalk cliffs and shore life, which is an amazing site for the sea world; some species are only recorded here. English Nature also manages some of these areas.

Sites of Nature Conservation Interest is a county designation for those areas which are not otherwise protected by law. These areas are protected from development such as grassland at Monkton, the cliff tops and Ramsgate cemetery.

Road verges are another area of interest for the Trust, in Kent there are 150 miles of conservation importance for plants. This includes grassland, heath, ancient woodland and orchid sites. Sandwich Bay has the Lizard Orchid located along some of the grass verges. There are many top class grassland sites, especially along the cliff tops but theses are only fragments of what once existed.

Another project for the Trust is the Kent and Medway Biological Record Centre. At present this is located at Maidstone Library but there is a new initiative at Tyland Barn the KWT headquarters. This is a purpose-built centre designed to house the records and is paid for by money from the lottery fund. Although businesses will have to charge for this service it will be free to the public and to parish councils etc.

Planning Issues. It is important to have a grasp of these if concerned about conservation. The UK System is probably the best in the world said Mr Moyes and its strength is in the ability to check urban sprawl, and to ensure that people have a voice in protecting the countryside. This is especially important because the KWT has limited resources and cannot compete with the "Big Boys."

Thanet Local Plan sets out the planning policies for the district. A draft version of this (the deposit draft) is made available for comments from the public and interested parties. The KWT commented on the present document and this has led to it’s strengthening with regard to conservation policy. About 200 applications are made each year on designated sites.

The Community Strategy is not well known, it is the government’s idea that every Borough and Local Authority should produce a policy about what they think their area will look like in 10-15 years time. And this should involve everyone in the community at both local and district level and find out what people want. This is good for conservation as it can encourage compliance with conservation designations. In part it aims to encourage the view that conservation is not a luxury but essential for sustainable development. Economic gains require accompanying environmental and social gain. This requires a change of approach for developers and planners and makes suggestions for generic action.

Thanet’s Community Strategy had no representative on the board with an environmental brief. The council should involve a representative from the TNCUG.

KWT’s new initiative is on "green lifestyles" and leaflets are widely available on this, they include issues of waste and transport and a survey on lifestyle.

Jack Cohen noted that the Community Strategy has a problem that it is not in plain English.

Bernard Clayson asked what the term sustainable as means in planning terms. It seems that the government operates with the idea of economic sustainability while it is necessary to emphasise environment in the idea of sustainability.

Eileen Martin pointed out that in her experience there is a loophole in that there can be such a thing as "exceptional circumstances". This though is not down to the local authority to decide, they have also to show that there is no other viable alternative.

Jack Cohen pointed out that the wealthier authorities, such as Tunbridge Wells, could more easily stick to the Local Plan while poorer ones would be more likely to need to compromise.

Dr Cooper asked that there seems to be a presumption in favour of the planning proposal and would it not be better if it was the other way around? This does happen on SSSI sites.

The Chairman warmly thanked Mr Moyes for his interesting and informative talk.

Matters Arising: There were no matters arising.

Chairman’s Report: We have received a reply after strong representations to KCC over the proposal at Richborough. The Planning committee decided to vote for a refusal due to the lack of information. The application has been withdrawn although there will be others no doubt.

The Chairman announced that the new roles that he has taken up (for example, Chairman of the Planning Committee) may not allow people to see the decisions made by the group as even handed in the future and so he will withdraw his Chairmanship. Nigel Collingwood will take up the chairmanship until the AGM.

Members expressed their thanks for the work of Dr Cohen during his Chairmanship and acknowledge the progress made during this period.

The LA21 group will also require a representative from the group to attend meetings.

Endorsement of the constitution: This is necessary in order to continue with the Trust Status initiative. It was noted that the constitution was originally written by Dr David Cooper who is still a regular attendant and contributor to the group.

The proposal for endorsement was backed by the members.

Trees In Thanet: Grant Roberson. A committee has now been set up by the Dane Valley Green project and it is meeting regularly. As part of National Tree work gaps in the hedge were planted up.

Any Other Business: The TNCUG’s attitude to mobile phone masts. The reason for concern is that Vodaphone is to install a new mast at Pegwell; this is to be 100 meters from Chiltern School. KCC already has a mast in this area but this is to monitor traffic. Orange has also been granted permission for a mast in the area.

Jack Cohen, objection is more likely to be successful on the grounds of amenity loss rather than on health grounds as there is no agreement on this side of the issue. Some can go through very quickly, often by default. There needs to be further discussion on this issue.

The meeting closed at 9:45 PM

Cpt. Nigel Collingwood: New Chairman (01843) 852216
Philip Bellingham: Secretary (01843) 223128