Kent Voice Protecting Kent’s heritage www.protectkent.org.uk Spring 2010 After KIG, the spectre of BIG

The next challenge to the county’s tranquillity chairman’s report hidden thanet Kent Voice Year of change has expanded spring 2010 our influence 6 Light work Protect Kent’s next big t seems hard to believe that it is now event to debate the hot more than a year since I took on the While we are topic of energy role of chairman of CPRE Kent. It has celebrating been a very busy and exhilarating year, with celebrations and challenges in the success of I our rebranding equal measure. There are, perhaps three main events during as Protect Kent, Beauty and change 9 Hythe’s fight the year: rebranding our county organisation this has been a time to Protect Kent; our 80th birthday Outraged community celebrations; and the Kent International of challenges says chairman opposes superstore Gateway (KIG) inquiry at Bearsted. Richard Knox-Johnston on eyesore site Our new brand is becoming increasingly well known as we continue to raise our profile. From recent research it appears that it cross the hot sands, the cooling has had more media coverage and recognition. on climate change in 2008, we formed a towers peek through a purple 12 So wrong Our objective is to make Protect Kent known Climate Change Forum in Kent which has haze. This captivating image Update on our battle by everybody as the foremost environmental already examined coastal erosion and river (right) of Pegwell Bay through group campaigning on behalf of those who flooding. It soon became obvious from the heat won Chris Randall against two huge A live in the county. this work that we needed to look at other top prize in the Hidden Thanet photographic threats to the county Our decision to rebrand was brave and, important areas, one of which was energy. competition run by Protect Kent’s Thanet some might say, controversial. However, our As a result we held a conference on Committee. membership was in decline and we could not renewable energy in 2009 and from this we The aim of the contest was to bring afford to be complacent if our organisation formed an Energy Group. This group has together a collection of images to celebrate 15 A silly evening was to survive. There is no doubt that our attracted many experts in the field of energy – and possibly record for the last time – the Join us in our sacred quest new brand has helped with membership but generation and is chaired by Gary Thomas. landscape and character of Thanet’s rural for an evening of open-air we still need many more people to join us in The group has assisted in the preparation of areas, which are facing many threats from cinema at Leeds Castle the challenges we face throughout the county. our conference this year – see pages 6 and 7. devastating industrial development. With all the threats facing our county, we We have also reformed the Planning Winner Chris, from Ramsgate, said: “This need a strong, vibrant organisation that has a Group under the chairmanship of Christine startling phenomenon developed when the wide range of ages and backgrounds. tide came in over hot sand, causing the cool Our best recruiters are those who already water to evaporate. The wind direction was 19 what a treat support the organisation, our members. easterly, bringing a blanket of fog well inland Your chance to go out Please, if you have not done so already, make that day. The tops of the towers of the former and about on Margaret’s use of the packs that were sent out at the end Richborough power station are visible above branch tours of last year. If each member could recruit just the haze.” one new member it would help to prepare our The competition attracted more than organisation for the challenges to our county 150 entries and the four winning images which lie ahead. Our new home in Charing are featured here. Second place went to Cover image: The KIG inquiry was one of the biggest Bob Woodward who entered the stunning Pegwell Bay and longest planning inquiries that has ever Drury. This new team has already made a panoramic photograph (top) taken through a purple haze by Chris taken place in the county. It lasted for nearly considerable contribution to our work in the in July 2009 of the North Foreland Randall 12 weeks and involved not only Kent County county as exemplified on their support for the lighthouse, Broadstairs, with storm See page3 Council and Maidstone Council but three KIG inquiry and a number of local planning clouds. voluntary groups. strategies. Third place went to Rachel Congratulations must go to the Stop KIG In January we completed on the purchase Attwell, from Broadstairs, for organisation and to the Joint Parishes Group of the former Queen’s Head in Charing as our highland cattle at Pegwell Bay for the way in which they presented their new offices. We were also granted planning Nature Reserve, with cooling cases. We, too, were excellently represented by permission for offices and a two-bedroomed towers in the background. A some superb witnesses. flat. We felt it was important to have a special prize to three-year-old I should like to thank all those who were permanent home and what better place than Emily Dillon, whose grandmother involved. It was a magnificent effort and we Charing, the centre of the county. Penny Dyball entered her image of The paper used for this magazine should all be justly proud of our performance. Conversion should begin soon and we hope Ramsgate Harbour taken through comes from sustainable forests Following on from a successful conference to move into the premises later in the year. pillars, far right.

2 KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 www.protectkent.org.uk www.protectkent.org.uk KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 3 housing charity prize Help us The recession recruit members proves error

or some time now, CPRE (Kent) and its objectives and challenges have been of predictions one of the biggest secrets Fin this county. To raise our profile, last year we re-branded to obody can have failed to notice Protect Kent. This re-branding exercise that the building industry has The CPRE’s has been enacted because: all but ground to a standstill. report on v The name is more recognisable and So what, then, of the much- easier to say. debated targets for 32,700 housing shows v N It reflects the work and objectives of homes per year that the South East Plan how the our organisation. exhorts the region to deliver? government CPRE (Kent) by its very title Seeda and government ministers tell us that precludes many parts of the county the demand for those homes is still there, and has got its that are not considered rural. Our role that once the economy recovers we will return figures woefully wrong, says is to represent the whole of Kent. to business as usual. The pent-up demand will director Hilary Newport Our £150,000 award We have a major challenge if we be satisfied eventually. are to continue to perform our role But how realistic is this forecast of demand? within the county. We need to increase And what are the consequences of getting our membership and to reach out to those forecasts wrong? times of recession and risen in times of those living in the county who are The housing figures in the South East Plan prosperity; in an economic downturn more sympathetic and supportive to the have been debated in minute detail since adults may willingly choose to live or stay work that we do. 2006 – I know, because we were there for together, and the availability and cost of Protect Kent As members, you are aware of the much of the debate. mortgages will also affect the number of new chairman valuable role we play in the county. Back in those days Seeda and Seera were households being formed. Similarly, the state Richard Knox- two different organisations and they were at of the local and national economy will have Johnston, polar opposites of the debate: Seera said that a profound effect on in- and out-migration. top, receives the southeast could not accommodate more Taken together, these uncertainties mean that the award than 28,900 homes per year without suffering the real rate of formation of new households from the irreparable damage to its environment, while may be radically different from the projected broadcaster Seeda argued that the economy would suffer rate. Glen disastrously if we delivered fewer than 36,000 Nevertheless the target figures of the South Thompsett, homes, or maybe even 42,000. As we now East Plan are currently being fed, district by and, left, with You also know how important our know, the latest target in the final version of district, into the emerging LDFs that each other guests work is. In this edition of Kent Voice the plan, published last year, lies somewhere planning authority must prepare; the result is during the we have outlined the many threats in between the two. that they have no choice but to allocate land KoS business affecting the county. We need many The reality is of course that during the for housebuilding that may never actually awards at the more new members if we are to plan’s development, the experts were focusing be needed. The worrying consequence is Marriott Tudor continue to battle against these threats. their attention on the trends of the preceding that when housebuilding starts to pick up Park Hotel, Therefore, we have launched a new years, and could not have predicted the speed again, developers will be able to “cherry pick” Bearsted initiative – Member Recruit Member. or the severity of the economic downturn. the easiest – typically greenfield – sites and By now, you should have received a The economic events of the past two years planners may be powerless to direct building recruiting pack from the Protect Kent have had a profound effect on the numbers to where it will do the most good and the rotect Kent has been judged team, comprising five application of households that are being formed in the least harm. as excellent in a business Protect Kent has been pronounced an excellent forms, a copy of our membership southeast. If we are to be able to challenge the worst competition – and won a huge supporting voice for communities and has won a leaflet, outlining the benefits of CPRE’s report, Housing the Future, was excesses of development we must have a fresh prize. big prize. Gemma Watts says it’s a proud moment membership and a copy of our Threats published in December and it artfully unpicks approach to planning that is flexible and P More than 200 businesses and to Kent map, launched last year. the assumptions behind the projections responsive to environmental challenges and organisations of all sizes entered the awards We hope you are finding this pack for the number of houses the UK needs. demographic changes. and we were required to show how a share of useful in inviting your family, friends Real people making real decisions about the £1 million prize fund would benefit our KOS Media said of Protect Kent: “It is an card advertising and PR within KOS Media’s and contacts to join Protect Kent. their own lives add up to a future that may organisation. excellent supporting voice for communities products to promote our campaigns, events Every member who succeeds in be profoundly different from the one the The competition was arranged by KOS who are facing environment and planning and news. introducing five new members or projections describe. Media, which held a dinner on 29 October to issues. Its aim to protect the whole of Kent for As publicity officer for the branch, I feel more to Protect Kent, will be rewarded Historically, birthrates have dropped in announce the winners of all 10 categories. the benefit of everyone is to be commended extremely proud of what we have achieved with a £10 Marks & Spencer voucher! Protect Kent was declared winner of the and the judges recognised the need to help and I look forward to being able to use this Please help us ensure that Protect Kent charity award. The RSPCA, the Aspinall raise awareness of the work it does to protect prize to increase our membership and raise is able to continue to campaign for the Foundation and the Caldecott Foundation the diversity and beauty of our county.” our profile dramatically in Kent over this good of our county. were all highly commended in our category. Our prize is more than £150,000 of rate coming year.

4 KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 www.protectkent.org.uk www.protectkent.org.uk KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 5 energy conference energy conference

Alternative energy sources and climate change will be discussed during our conference at the Pines Calyx, below

Yes, you too can learn to keep the lights on

aving spent the best part So in October last year we started to forward their plan for “zero carbon Britain” of 30 years commuting to Richard Drage discuss and put together a project plan for powered by renewable energy. London, working as an IT said goodbye the event, provisionally scheduled for March The conference will explore the tensions Hurry now to book your place consultant and more recently 2010. around moving towards affordable, low- a project manager, when to commuting However, we had reckoned without the carbon, low impact and reliable energy The Keeping the Lights On energy H but needed conference is being held at the Pines the opportunity of early retirement arose significant time demands that the KIG (Kent sources. Equally as important, it will focus a couple of years ago I had to think very a new International Gateway) inquiry would put on using these energy sources efficiently and Calyx in St Margaret’s Bay, near carefully about it. For about 30 seconds! challenge – so on the Protect Kent office and so, as is often sparingly. As with the previous two annual Dover, on Tuesday 20 April. So in April 2009 I said goodbye to the the way with projects, we had to revise it conferences, the outputs from the day will The aim of this conference is to daily battle with Southeastern Trains and what better than organising a several times before we had a realistic and help drive Protect Kent’s campaigning and explore the tensions around moving looked forward to a more leisurely, hopefully climate change conference? achievable plan. education agenda. towards affordable, low-carbon, low- more rewarding, lifestyle. The good news is that things are now The aim is to make the day as informative impact, reliable energy sources (and One can only spend so many hours coming together nicely and we are moving and interactive as possible with plenty of using them efficiently and sparingly). sailing, narrow-boating and watching cricket, Kent volunteers and contributors, I don’t apace with organising this year’s event. opportunity for delegates to pose questions Our guest speakers on the day will so I thought it would be a good idea to look have any background in environmental The conference will be called Keeping the and discuss key issues with the panels, à la be Sir Crispin Tickell GCMG KCVO into voluntary work with local charities. and conservation issues, nor any specialist Lights On and held at the celebrated Pines the BBC’s Question Time. and Peter Harper from the Centre Anything to put off the prospect of seeking knowledge in power generation, climate Calyx conference centre in St Margaret’s We will be sending out conference for Alternative Technology. paid employment! change or alike. Bay, near Dover, which can comfortably invitations and more information to all Arrival time is 9.30am, and A search through various volunteering I wanted to help and get involved but accommodate up to 80 delegates. Protect Kent members and other interested conference is 10am to 2pm. websites highlighted an opportunity to help felt a little out of my depth! However, Sean It will be held on 20 April with Sir Crispin parties shortly. Tickets are £20 for Protect out at the Protect Kent office and following Furey, the deputy director, quickly came Tickell, the renowned environmentalist While I am a little nervous – this being Kent members and £100 for non- a very interesting chat with the director, up with the idea of putting my project and climate change expert, as the keynote my first task as a Protect Kent volunteer members. Please contact the Hilary Newport, I decided to give it a go. management experience to good use in speaker. – I’m sure that, as with previous events, the branch office on 01303 815183 to The question then was how I could helping to organise the 2010 annual climate Peter Harper of the Centre for Alternative delegates and invited experts will ensure that buy your tickets now – places are best help. Unlike many of the Protect change conference. Technology, in Wales, will be putting the conference is a resounding success. limited!

6 KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 www.protectkent.org.uk www.protectkent.org.uk KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 7 food sainsbury’s shock To everything there Supermarket is a season: now it battle is not will give us security over yet In November 2009 a planning application was submitted to Swale Borough Council for a Sainsbury’s foodstore on the edge of A revolution is taking place in the growing and Faversham. buying of food in Kent – but more needs to be done The store would be the third big to stop the world starving, writes Pat Crawford supermarket in Faversham. The town, which only has a population of about 20,000, already has a Tesco store and a newly opened The Smiths Medical site in Military Road, Hythe where the new Sainsbury’s – artist’s impression below – will be built Morrisons in the town centre. It also has as ood security – who would have hand, more and more individuals all round an Iceland store; a small Co-op; a range of arly last summer I was shocked thought, just five or six years ago, the world – and noticeably in this country independent food retailers; a twice-weekly to read in the local newspaper that these two little words would – are making the decision to take positive market; and a popular weekly farmers’ that Sainsbury’s had submitted achieve the significance attached unilateral action. market. a planning application to build to them today? And despite this Grower groups are being set up all over the Given this high level of local provision, a huge superstore in Military F Protect Kent was surprised to hear that familiarity – what do these words really mean? UK. “Urban agriculture” has found its way ERoad, Hythe, upon the former Seeboard, and The simplest definition is “when all people into every city and large town. Allotments Sainsbury claimed that a whopping 41% latterly Smiths Medical site. at all times have both physical and economic are at a premium – and some applicants are of the expenditure on food shopping by I deluded myself that this would never be access to sufficient food to meet their dietary unlikely to be successful in their lifetime. residents of Faversham and the surrounding allowed to happen, trusting that Hythe Town needs for a productive and healthy life”. Children have got involved – and they add villages was lost to other towns. This, Council and the planners would turn the Statisticians and scientists warn that we are passion and vigour to growing their “five-a- Sainsbury claimed, amounted to £24m lost application down, and use the opportunity heading for a catastrophe on a global scale. day” fruit and veg. expenditure each year. This is in marked to replace the 1970s eyesore with something Meanwhile, we have an overabundance of Demand for local and regionally produced contrast to Swale’s research, which showed more in keeping with a town that has over food in most parts of the developed world. food is booming. Independent retailers, that Faversham was about 90% self-sufficient 1,000 years of history and heritage (and three The famines in developing countries are not a farmers’ markets and other specialists are in food shopping, a finding confirmed in a supermarkets). The one thing Hythe doesn’t new phenomenon and relate to crop failures reporting good results. The supermarkets, further study undertaken by Kent County need is another, even bigger supermarket, associated with drought, flooding, blights and driven by consumer demand, are by putting Council in 2007. selling everything under one roof! diseases. Such famines, while immensely sad, more UK-produced food on their shelves. Protect Kent made strong objections to the With the site next to the Royal Military follow a pattern and are not new. application. In a comprehensive submission Canal, an ancient monument, and alongside What is it that is causing so much we questioned Sainsbury’s retail assessment the listed cottages of Military Terrace built concern for the future of food? It is the ‘The onus is going and raised serious concerns about the impact in 1800, it seemed madness to even consider combination of various factors that present that the store would have on the local food such a development, let alone on a site that the real problem. The world’s population to be on our network. has two very difficult junctions onto the only is increasing at an alarming rate. And as Faversham’s strength is its independent main road into the centre of the town. One eyesore recovering farmers incomes rise in some Third World countries, traders, and the historic relationship Its presence will have a detrimental affect populations are changing their dietary habits to produce between Faversham and the producers in on the ancient monument opposite and and consumption of meat and other animal- substantially more’ the agricultural hinterland remains strong. the small traders in the High Street. It will related foods is increasing. This is significant This has been recognised by the inclusion damage the town’s heritage, cause traffic chaos because production of livestock is less efficient of Faversham as one of 12 towns in a and pollution, while returning nothing to the in terms of land usage than the crops that nationwide project to better understand and town itself. The opposition and concerns of for another previously formed the staple diet. Add to Looked at terms of our own county, do we map local food networks. This project, led residents (who have run a strong campaign) this the threat to valuable agricultural land have any of the answers? Could our growers by CPRE’s national office, is being funded have been ignored, along with those of official resulting from sea-level rise and the enormity produce sufficient food for us to become much through the National Lottery. bodies such as English Heritage and Protect Hythe, gateway to Romney Marsh, is an attractive of the problem becomes clearer. more self-sufficient? Kent is home to some of Despite our objections, and many Kent, which I consider disgraceful. This place to live. Now its character and independent How to deal with challenges of the the best farmers in the UK. Hadlow, one of the objections made by residents, the council’s development certainly appeared to be a “done traders are under threat, says Dorene McCormack magnitude envisaged is engaging the minds country’s leading land-based colleges, has the planners recommended the application. The deal” long before the public were involved. of politicians and their leaders the world interest, the knowledge and commitment the planning committee agreed on 4 February, With representation of only 14% on the over. It was brought sharply into focus at the sector already needs. with only two councillors voting against it. development control committee, how can recent Oxford Farming Conference by the All this is positive – but surely there are However, the battle is not over. Protect Hythe possibly have any control over its I would wager that none of the development David Plumstead, Graham Horner and Paul environment secretary Hilary Benn: “It’s only some vital missing links? Yes – several. The Kent has written to the Government Office development? This was further underlined control committee actually knows what Smallwood, worked with Hythe residents, in the past few decades that we have felt able onus is going to be on our farmers to produce for the South East asking for the application after concerns over the unsuitable design of the building would look like from the on an active campaign to raise awareness of to take the supply of food for granted – but substantially more food – but it is only to be called in on the basis that both the building, raised by Hythe Town Council – pavement in front of the store, or the canal the superstore plans. This included public the truth is now apparent – we cannot take it recently that they began to recover from the Sainsbury’s and the council failed properly with the word “monstrosity” being used – fell opposite – how could they possibly vote for meetings, contacting local traders and helping for granted any more.” bad times associated with unfavourable EU to take into account new government policy on deaf ears, with Shepway District Council’s a development for which they do not have a campaign website, www.devstop.org.uk Numerous suggestions are being made decisions and vast food imports. on retail developments, and that the council planning department making no significant all the visual facts? Is it any wonder that Shepway District Councillors voted 8-4 in – but none so far has the ability to solve the To invest the money, time and commitment, gave no regard to the loss of employment change to the mass or design of this industrial a resident wrote a letter to the local paper favour of the application but the council was problem. Inter-government consensus about they must be assured they have consumer land and the implications this would have park prefab. saying “more damage was done to the town prevented from issuing planning permission action seems as far away as ever and it would backing. And this leads to another point: for economic development in the town. If Incredibly, for the biggest development of Hythe in one evening than the Nazis while the Government Office of the South be easy to turn one’s back and apply the “not buying local or regional or UK-produced food the request is successful, the proposal will be Hythe has ever seen, only three distant managed during the whole of the war”. East (GOSE) reviewed the case. The in my back yard” syndrome. On the other can work only if we also embrace seasonality! considered at a public inquiry. rendered views of the structure were shown. Several Protect Kent members, including application has now been approved.

8 KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 www.protectkent.org.uk www.protectkent.org.uk KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 9 SPOTLIGHT ON thanet SPOTLIGHT ON thanet

In the Thanet Earth, near ‘It’s not all bad second of Deprived, but Monkton, Thanet news – Thanet his features looking at Council wants to planning retain the important issues facing always open green wedges’ Kent, Brian Lloyd looks at the coastal area of Thanet second phase of the East Kent Access for business Road. This comprises a new road across he coastal district of Thanet the countryside linking the A299 from the forms the northeast corner airport to the A256 at Richborough, as well of Kent. It is home to about as upgrading to dual carriageway standard the 130,000 people, mainly in the A299 between Minster Roundabout and the Talmost continuous urban area Lord of the Manor junction. that stretches from Birchington around At the end of last year, the council the coast via Margate and Broadstairs to published for consultation its core strategy, Ramsgate. Altogether, the district has 23 which when agreed will set out the council’s miles of coast, which is characterised by development strategy for the period to 2026. chalk cliffs and sandy bays, much of which is This includes accommodating 7,500 protected for its nature conservation interest. new homes, which the council thinks can The countryside beyond the coast be provided mostly on brownfield land in

comprises an open, mainly flat, landscape y the existing towns. But about 1,500 homes at the centre of which is a chalk plateau will be on greenfield land; with the further

commanding long distance views in all y Kerr expansion of Westwood Cross, the council’s directions. It is a very fertile countryside, A d favoured location, transforming it from a with a high concentration of the best new town centre into a fully fledged new agricultural land, and farming remains an economic and social issues that underpins the by consolidating development along the the development of 32 hectares (77 acres) passengers a year by 2033 (currently under community. important feature of the landscape and local council’s planning strategy – and some would A254 between Margate and Ramsgate. More that was already earmarked for development 50,000 a year), while freight is planned to It’s not all bad news, though. The council economy. say that care for the environment has taken recently the first stage of Thanet Earth, the in the council’s local plan. But the developer’s increase to 401,000 tonnes a year by 2033. is proposing to retain the important “green Thanet has seen better days. Once a a back seat as the council promotes itself as UK’s largest greenhouse complex, has been aspiration is for two further phases, which Currently, it is 31,600 a year. Not only wedges” that help to keep the separate thriving seaside destination, the district now being “open for business”. built at Birchington. This will ultimately see would see another 40 hectares (96 acres) will this mean expansion of the airport on identity of the towns, and it is trying to revive has the highest unemployment rate in Kent, Historically confined to the coast, the seven giant greenhouses on 90 hectares (220 of Grade I farmland lost to commercial to surrounding greenfield land, but it will the fortunes of the coastal towns. standing at 5.9% in December 2009. It is tentacles of development are now spreading acres) of prime agricultural land. development. mean more traffic and of course more flights But, Thanet’s valuable countryside remains also Kent’s most deprived district, ranked westwards at an alarming rate. In recent years In 2008, proposals were put forward for a Manston Airport, now called Kent and associated aircraft noise for residents, under serious threat, and it is clear that the the 65th most deprived of the 354 local we have seen the development of Westwood major commercial development at Manston International Airport, also has plans to grow. including at night. council’s pro-development agenda must not authorities in England. Cross, a new “town centre” that has pushed Business Park – the so-called China Gateway. It recently published a “master plan” setting All this development means more traffic, be allowed to take priority at the expense of Indeed, it is the need to address these the extent of the urban area further inland As a first phase, permission was granted for out its aspirations to handle 4.75 million and work has just started on the £87 million quality of life and the environment. Local Development Frameworks: the state of play

The following provides examination is now expected Canterbury was found sound. The core of future consultations are The examination should be until the end of the year. November and 2 December the latest round-up of the in July. n After some delay, strategy was adopted in available. held in the summer. Thanet and the DPD was found current state of play with n Consultation on the Urban consultation on issues and February. Maidstone n Consultation on options n Consultation on issues and sound. the production of Local Sites and Infrastructure options for the core strategy n In June the council will be n Maidstone’s LDF for the Site Allocations DPD options for the core strategy Tunbridge Wells Development Frameworks DPD has been delayed. An was undertaken at the turn of consulting on the final Site programme remains unclear, was also undertaken during was undertaken at the end n The examination of the across Kent, which will exhibition presenting the the year. Consultation on the Allocations DPD. but consultation on a draft February and March, but this of 2009. Consultation on Tunbridge Wells Core replace local plans: likely sites was staged in council’s preferred option is Gravesham core strategy is expected in DPD will not be progressed the final core strategy is Strategy was held between Ashford January, and consultation on scheduled for August. n Issues and options for the summer. further until 2011. expected in October. 25 November and 15 n The examination of the the final DPD is now due in n The Herne Bay Area Action the core strategy and n Work is under way on the Shepway n In September, the December. Consultation Ashford Town Centre Area April. Plan has now passed through Development Management preparation of a Gypsy and n Further informal council proposes to consult was then undertaken on a Action Plan (AAP) was held n Area Action Plans for the its examination stage and has Policies DPD were published Traveller Pitch Allocations consultation on the core on options for the Site proposed change to Policy between 27 October and 6 major urban extensions at been found sound. It will be in January with comments DPD. Initial consultation on strategy is proposed for June, Allocations DPD. CP6 relating to the provision November and the AAP was Cheesemans Green and adopted in April. invited by 11 March. this is expected in May. with formal consultation n The examination (by of affordable housing. The adopted in February. Chilmington Green are Dartford Consultation on the final Medway on the final core strategy written representations only) inspector’s report is expected n Following consultation on also being drawn up, but n After delays, consultation core strategy is expected in n It is expected that Medway scheduled for October. of the Cliftonville DPD was in April. the final Tenterden and Rural consultation is unlikely until on the final core strategy is October. Council will consult on their Swale held in December and the n In November the council Sites Development Plan the autumn. now expected in June. KCC preferred option for the core n Swale is reviewing its LDF DPD was found sound. proposes to undertake Document (DPD) in June n Work has also now started Dover n KCC is responsible for strategy in July. programme, meaning that Tonbridge & Malling consultation on the final 2009, further consultation on a Gypsy and Traveller n The Dover Core Strategy preparing a Waste and Sevenoaks the timing of consultations n The examination of the Development Control Policies was undertaken at the end Accommodation DPD, with examination was held Minerals LDF, but it has been n Consultation on the final is unclear. Informal Management of Development DPD, Allocations DPD and of 2009. This has delayed initial consultation expected between 15 and 23 October subject to considerable delay. core strategy was undertaken consultation on the core and the Environment DPD Town Centres Area Action DPD submission and the as we go to press. and the high-growth strategy At the moment, no details during February and March. strategy is not expected was held between 24 Plan DPD.

10 KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 www.protectkent.org.uk www.protectkent.org.uk KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 11 KIG & BIG Reptiles So much against it, so little in favour Justice for our scaly he real battle of KIG, of course, v It may divert some freight off Kent’s caused by Operation Stack when it is in was always going to be between The dubious potential benefits of KIG are outweighed to roads and on to rail, where the impact of its operation AXA, the backers of the scheme, such a degree by its obvious damage that the inspector transport on the environment will be greatly v The local congestion caused by freight and friends and Maidstone Borough reduced. But this is by no means guaranteed workers’ vehicles travelling through minor Council. But planning inquiries must surely reject AXA’s appeal, writes Hilary Newport v It will undoubtedly generate profits for AXA roads T v v are governed by complex and strict rules, one Err… that’s it. The risk, during construction or afterwards, n Jo Richards of which is that third parties may request the of a catastrophic land slip affecting the M20 right to give evidence and to cross-examine their evidence in advance. The legal experts of the proposed structures unduly difficult Against KIG: or high-speed railway line the expert witnesses too. for the opposing side will then do their level and expensive. We also challenged rather v The noise, dust and disturbance of its v …And many more Those of us of a certain age may So that is why on 13 October we were up best to undermine the expert’s arguments successfully (though I say so myself) AXA’s construction on communities that live very I’m not an unbiased observer of course but remember many happy idle hours at the top table along with StopKIG, the through cross-examination. The applicants’ assertions that the development would lead to near the site it seems to me quite clear that the dubious spent by the side of a pond or on a Joint Parishes Group, Natural England and objective is to cast doubt in the inspector’s a net reduction in carbon emissions. v The visual impact of huge buildings in an potential benefits that KIG could deliver sunny embankment watching the other groups opposed to KIG. As “official” mind about the legitimacy of the arguments The inspectors who hear the inquiry are area recognised for its landscape quality, and are outweighed to such a degree by the antics of our native amphibians and third parties to the inquiry, in the preceding made by those who object to their proposals, entirely independent and must be absolutely at the foot of the Kent Downs AONB considerable and obvious damage that it will reptiles such as newts and lizards. months we had all exchanged huge amounts and vice versa. Third party participants, like impartial, so it is impossible to guess what v The noise, pollution and disturbance of the do that the inspectors’ recommendation can Things have changed. Fifty years of documentation – proofs of evidence, us, can also present evidence and be cross- the outcome might be from watching their site once it is in operation only be to reject AXA’s appeal. ago, the first stretch of British background research, statements of case – and examined on it, and can cross-examine the reactions to the cross examination of the v The transformation of public footpaths and The inspectors’ report with his motorway had only just been built. had pored minutely through the arguments applicant’s witnesses. evidence presented. Nevertheless, here is my bridleways running between Bearsted and recommendation is expected in April, but Since then, an extra 27 million cars in favour of KIG to help us marshal our own Our chairman, Richard Knox-Johnston, own entirely non-impartial summary of the the Downs – no horserider would want to the final decision – which may or may not have been added to the roads and arguments against it. The evidence covered led the Protect Kent team and over two arguments: use routes that are overshadowed by towering follow the inspector’s recommendation – will an extra 10 million people have been a huge range of topics such as noise, light days we presented our case against the buildings or moving gantries be made by the secretary of state. It seems added to the population. This has not pollution, traffic impacts, security issues, the proposals, highlighting those concerns we In favour of KIG: v The huge carbon footprint of the site’s very likely that by then the government will only brought about major changes for business and logistics cases, and many more. believe to be most relevant – notably, the v It will create some jobs (but not the kind construction be in its pre-election purdah so it is still very humans but also for wildlife. The fundamental process of an inquiry is presence of Gault clay over much of the site, of jobs that are mostly needed in Maidstone, v The increase in congestion at junction 8 of unclear when the final decision will be made. Wildlife is under pressure from this; each side presents its case, topic by topic, which is notoriously unstable and which so workers will most likely commute in from the motorway Until then, like the people of Bearsted, we habitat loss, which narrows the through an expert witness who has prepared we believe will make the safe construction places such as Medway or further afield) v The terrible exacerbation of the disruption must wait and hope. opportunities available to animals for shelter, foraging and reproducing. Amphibians and reptiles are perhaps more prone to these threats than other species. Being “cold-blooded”, After KIG, the relying on the temperature of their surroundings, amphibians rely on seasonal migration between winter hibernation areas and spring/summer breeding and feeding areas. On top of this, they rely on a variety of micro- spectre of BIG habitats and heat absorbing materials for their daily temperature regulation as well as trying to feed, find a mate he KIG campaign is finally over. and reproduce… and all in a year that For the moment. Media splash by is shortened by the need for winter After two and half months plan’s backers hibernation! and a field trip in January, the cannot hide So what can you do to help? Join public inquiry into the Kent Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group T that the land’s International Gateway (KIG) came to an (KRAG) by browsing our website, end and the two inspectors have retreated to owners are legally www.kentarg.org. We endeavour to write their report. What will they advise the bound to restore record the distribution and monitor An artist’s impression of the BIG plan and, secretary of state for communities and local sandpits back to open the status of amphibians and reptiles government? Who will be in that chair when above, Protect Kent’s campaign logo in Kent. We want to build up a decision has to be made and when will that farmland, writes Sean Furey long-term records for key sites to be? We just don’t know. safeguard them from What we do know is that the spectre of development or the BIG freight depot lurks in the shadows Green Sandpits, are legally required to restore Belt and close to the North Downs Area audience heard from Nick Herbert, shadow the issues and recruit new members to help us mismanagement. waiting for the opportunity to take their those pits back to open farmland and wildlife of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), secretary for environment and rural affairs, defeat this scheme. However, we cannot scheme to the new, unelected, Infrastructure habitat. we believe that the proposals are of and then both local MP Sir John Stanley and In February we launched www.stopbig. protect what we Planning Commission (IPC). They recently told Tunbridge Wells on regional significance, underpinned by Paul Carter, leader of KCC, endorsed our org, a website to bring together all the news, don’t know is there. At the opening of the KIG inquiry the Sunday: “The landowners do recognise their national planning policies, and therefore campaign. videos and documents from the campaign backers of BIG made a big media splash obligations, but as has happened elsewhere worthy of consideration in terms of future Our Tonbridge & Malling Committee has so far. For internet adventurers there is the Erin, – taking journalists up in a helicopter to show in Kent, quarries have subsequently been development.” spearheaded an active campaign group that opportunity to discuss the issues and let us daughter of them the ugly gashes in the land that their identified as suitable for development to We disagree and we have not been idle. We has created a solid partnership with the parish know what you think through online forums Dr Lee Brady, quarrying activities have caused over many underpin the wider Kent economy. have taken the fight to Cemex: in October councils of Platt, Borough Green, Wrotham on Facebook and Twitter, but fear not, we’re chairman of years. What they did not tell the journalists “While we recognise that the site is we held a public meeting at Wrotham and further afield. This has led to a concerted still here at the end of the phone if you want KRAG, with a was that the landowners, Cemex and Borough currently identified as Metropolitan Green School that was packed to the rafters. The door-to-door campaign to raise awareness of to get in touch. slowworm

12 KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 www.protectkent.org.uk www.protectkent.org.uk KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 13 countryside threats open-air film

Go and tell your masters that we have been charged with a A Canterbury sacred mission. Join us in our quest for the Holy Grail… tale of woe

Grade I farmland in south Canterbury, focus of attention for 3,000 houses

t all began with park and ride. It is land just happens to be in south Canterbury, Bring a picnic for ironic that a transport initiative widely The city council near the handy, “sustainable”, and ever- seen as a “green” measure can have such park and ride expanding park and ride. devastating impact. Or at least it has in If the council has its way, then in 20 years Canterbury. plan projects we shall have lost several hundred acres of I provide merely Monty Python Park and ride, or more accurately for the best and most versatile agricultural land Canterbury, short-range park and ride, is a a token bus ride to roads, business parks and housing. No measure supposedly to “get people out of their into town – and ruin doubt the council will trumpet the success cars and provide travel choices”. The trouble of gaining developer contributions for new the countryside in the bargain, is that it has the reverse effect. In Canterbury roads. These will include the all-important at Leeds Castle it encourages car use – after all, how else does writes Eric Parkinson additional slip roads to the A2 to facilitate one get to a park and ride car park? what? Simply even greater car dependence. And what for? Simply a token bus ride into We may even see a “win-win” situation town. The fundamental leg of the journey is what was afoot – or the consequences of the emerging, to use the planners’ rhetoric so t’s not Camelot, for sure. Some say it’s particularly keen to get behind. We celebrate tickets to this event for our members. by car, and nothing is done to promote low scale of lobbying carried out with a variety that developers pay for a new A28 by-pass more beautiful. Join us at Leeds Castle the beauty of Kent’s landscape with our open- Tickets are on sale now for £10 per person energy alternatives for medium or longer of government agencies. Despite being a for the southern margins of the city. Will this summer for the first open-air film air cinema screenings. Now this is a chance but if you are a member of Protect Kent, journeys. world heritage venue constrained by trivial such measures reduce car dependency and ever held in these delightful settings for us to help preserve and protect those green tickets cost just £8.50. Park and ride car parks have to go things such as classifications of surrounding reduce traffic levels? No. But they will, for Inear Maidstone. spaces.” To buy tickets, go to the events page of the somewhere. In Canterbury they have sprung land as being of “high landscape value”, a while, serve to reduce congestion, and so Appropriately, the film is the hugely Protect Kent is also proud to announce Leeds Castle website: www.leeds-castle.com/ up on the periphery. The first one was built there has been a push for more business land will be perceived to be a benefit. It is one of successful 1975 comedy Monty Python and that it has been named one of Leeds Castle’s shop and enter the discount code HG21PK on a former waste disposal site. The next one and associated housing. The classification of the perverse and counter-intuitive outcomes the Holy Grail, an epic tale of a king and his nominated charities for the next three years. when completing your transaction or phone swallowed up some allotments. Canterbury as a “hub” in the South East Plan of road traffic management that reducing knights on their quest for the most sacred of To celebrate, we are offering discounted the box office on 01622 765400. Next in line was a park and ride has done the trick. And of course, the council congestion actually allows an increase in Christian relics. site constructed on a swathe of Grade I has been able to claim that it has a “green” traffic volumes. Their eventful journey takes them to the agricultural land – the “gold dust of solution to traffic congestion. Our city council planning measures are, fabled court of Camelot, but King Arthur The 8m x 8m travelling sustainability”. The soil to sustain potential Big mistake. Hubs are growth areas. regrettably, devoid of planning. Does the rejects a visit on the grounds that it is a silly cinema screen in food for future generations has been Government guidance for the growth of Local Development Framework take account place: quite unlike Leeds Castle, where – on Canterbury last year submerged under asphalt – and all this just to “hubs”, we are told, is that they are to grow of how and where the food for an expanding Saturday, 21 August – you can bring along a establish a giant car park in south Canterbury. at the margins. Thus in the newly emerged Canterbury will come from? picnic and enjoy the film. It hasn’t stopped there. The council wishes Local Development Framework for the city, No doubt in the eyes of the planners and The evening is being put on by Protect to expand the car park further. And even it is the case that the projected growth in land developers, then food will always come Kent in conjunction with the open-air cinema a fourth out-of-town car park is planned. housing has been aimed at the largest single from “somewhere else”: somewhere else that company The Screen On The Green and the This one, if built, will destroy some of our area of “available” land so that a “critical values food for the future; somewhere that firm’s owner, George Wood, said: “We are remaining orchards. mass” of development can be gained. This has not covered the best agricultural land proud to be working with Protect Kent to Now we come to the issue of what is will ensure that “communities can be built, under car parks, roads and houses to fulfil the help celebrate the branch’s 80th anniversary. referred to as the “hub”. Business groups and not just housing estates”. This all sounds very dreams of those enamoured with “hubs” and “Being a Kent-based company, reliant on Canterbury City Council have been keen to plausible. the other creations of regional planners and the county’s outdoor spaces, from parks and promote Canterbury as a place for expansion. However, you can probably see where all their developer friends. manor houses to historic sites and castles, Not that the public was particularly aware of this is heading. The largest area of “available” Food for thought, eh? the cause of Protect Kent is one that we are

14 KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 www.protectkent.org.uk www.protectkent.org.uk KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 15 eco symbolism feedback

Fruit farms County have a role town is far beyond given a agriculture rural view

It is sad and ironic that while Simon Evans attacks modern fruit farming in last spring’s issue of Kent Voice, two out of five “Icons of Kent” chosen by the Protect Kent team reflected the horticultural heritage of Kent – Faversham, the brewing town, and the Kentish oast house, a farm building once used to dry hops, now usually redundant. Hop gardens, once a feature of the A selection of works by Paul Cumming-Benson, left, for his Enviro-Symbolism book landscape, are now few and far between as the production economics of the crop are poor, and the hop growers find it difficult to compete against other areas of production elsewhere in the world. An art movement Soft fruit from Kent – the Garden of England – has always been in demand throughout the country but the majority is consumed in the southeast, where population is concentrated. Proximity to the London market is one of the main The Maidstone Committee of Protect born from tragedy reasons why the fruit has historically been Kent focuses on issues throughout grown here, but equally important are the whole borough of Maidstone and our climate, sunny slopes, poor but free- is concerned with the county town, draining soils, and skills. particularly the town centre. Tunnels provide a favourable growing Committee members from the rural and green passion environment for plants and a kind area have now published a report entitled working environment for beneficial Maidstone Town – A View From the insects, and indeed for pickers. Soft fruit Villages. farms promote biodiversity with their The report presents a perspective from y whole approach to painting for eco-messages, and I called it Enviro- overwintering crops, uncropped areas and outside the town and includes proposals was changed by a chance An environmentalist suggested Symbolism, the name of my new book. plentiful field margins. Highly skilled that could enhance the town centre, remark from a Friends of the Paul Cumming-Benson might Like most people, I suffered personal growers – many trained in our excellent making it a more pleasant and enjoyable Earth officer. Geoff Hopkins, think more about concerns on tragedies, and these intervened into my agricultural colleges – work in strong and environment for everyone. based in Kent, wanted to artistic life: the deaths of my parents and vibrant farming communities to produce Copies of this new Maidstone report M his own doorstep – so he set know why I was so concerned about what my wife. I feel sure all three would have fruit that is fresh, flavoursome, better able will shortly be sent to all of our Maidstone was happening on the other side of the world out with his sketching pad supported me in this venture, and would have to fight off pests and diseases, and with members and we will be adding the report (Great Barrier Reef, Australia), and ignoring enjoyed looking at my pictures. Moreover, my yields which ensure efficient use is made to our website www.protectkent.org.uk as events on my own doorstep. wife’s illness led to a new phase in my work: of every unit of carbon and litre of water. a downloadable file. If you wish to be sent His remarks made me think of the trees I’d playing the flute, while others danced and the While my wife was in hospital, a friend gave While the economic contribution of a copy of the report by post, please email so often included in my landscapes of Devon, police seemed almost at the point of joining me an orchid that became the symbol of the fruit farming is significant to the Kent [email protected] or phone where I spent my teenage years. So I returned in. The latter scenario formed the basis of fragility in our family life. I collected other rural economy, this is not the only reason 01303 815183. to my old sketching haunts and found to my several pictures. orchids, painted them and developed an acute to encourage and be proud of Kent’s world astonishment that many of those trees and Later in 1996 (August), I visited Paris awareness of the need to conserve plants of class soft fruit farms. Fruit farmers protect plants had disappeared. with my family, and we went to the house all kinds. This theme can be seen in my most the horticultural heritage and the unbuilt Charles Oliver At about this time, in 1996, press stories of Gustave Moreau, a French 19th-century recent pictures. landscape of Kent, preserving rural skills, about the eco-warriors at Newbury gave symbolist. This visit had a profound effect on A new desire for conservation has become the soil, our field boundaries and our dark Protect Kent would like to apologise to me a jolt. Here were people putting their my work. Moreau’s imagery was something I an important part of the message of Enviro- night skies. Charles Oliver. An item in our previous lives at risk to protect the trees in a wood. could develop in my “eco-art”. For example, Symbolist art. The aim is to shake us out of Protecting Kent must be about more issue might have given the impression, in The atmosphere at Newbury fluctuated: The Apparition (1876) shows Salome pointing our complacent attitude to the environment. than house values in the countryside, and expressing our thanks to Charles, that he sometimes there was violent confrontation, to John the Baptist’s head (symbolising a As the leading environmentalist Jonathan ensuring Kent remains the Garden of was resigning from CPRE completely after with the police wrestling protesters to the threat). I used similar imagery in Girl with Porritt wrote: “We all contribute various England requires more understanding of 39 years of dedicated service. This is not ground and taking them away in vans; at the Red Dress where the girl is pointing to an skills, resources and experience with which to the gardeners. the case and although Charles has stepped other times officers seemed more sympathetic, earth-mover, which is threatening to knock work away at the defences of our industrial Marion Regan, member of the CPRE down from the Ashford Committee, he allowing peaceful protest. A Channel 4 down a tree (a reference to Newbury). In society…” and managing director, continues to be regularly involved in our documentary showed some eco-warriors this way, I developed my own set of symbols This book is my contribution. Hugh Lowe Farms, Mereworth work and is a valued life member.

16 KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 www.protectkent.org.uk www.protectkent.org.uk KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 17 what’s on outings

Protect Kent Crossword There are plenty of Events places to visit says 1 Margaret Micklewright and 2 3 4 5 utterflies, jam, horse-drawn barges, a nuclear bunker and a 6 7 village tour … Protect Kent’s outings 8 9 2010 programme of outings is 10 packed with variety. 6 & 7 March 11 12 B Before I elaborate on the outings, I should Hellebore guided tours, Hadlow 13 like to mention deposits. Several trips will College, 11am and 2pm. include coach hire, so a £10 deposit per person should be sent with your completed 8 April & 10 June 14 15 booking form. Seasonal walk & tea, conducted 16 17 18 My thanks go to the large number of you by head gardener Alex Rennie, 19 20 who filled in my “possibles” form. If you are Hadlow College, 2pm. still interested, please fill in the booking form. The response for some trips has been so 21 13 & 14 March large that there will be a waiting list for some Lambing Weekend, Hadlow 22 outings. College, 11am–4pm. More than 23 Here’s what is planned: Out and about 800 lambs are expected this year, 24 27 March, Globe Theatre tour The including 54 sets of triplets! complete tour, including two exhibitions, takes about 2½ hours. I suggest, for those 31 March who want to have lunch, that we go to the Travels in China – A Plantsman’s crypt at St Paul’s just over the “wobbly” Paradise, a talk by Roy Lancaster, 25 26 bridge. on Margaret’s Hadlow College, 6.30pm. 15 April, jam factory and nuclear bunker The famed Wilkins Jams factory 20 April in Colchester, Essex, is no longer allowed to 27 28 Keeping the Lights On energy take people around the factory floor but I am conference, Pines Calyx, St EclipseCrossword.com told the firm has an excellent museum that Margaret’s Bay, 9.30am. Speakers is worth visiting. After this (and lunch) the branch tours will discuss affordable, low- Across Down coach will be taking us to the secret nuclear carbon, low impact, reliable bunker at Braintree – the biggest and deepest This year’s outings energy sources. Tickets, at £100, will take us on 4 A senior clergy stick in the mud, 1 A revolting peasant in 1381 (3, 6) cold war bunker now open to the public in or £20 for Protect Kent members, southeast England. Hilary Newport, Protect a horse-drawn in the Medway Estuary (6, 4) 2 Warriors free to stay, Absolutely are available by calling 01303 Kent’s director, has already been round it and barge, to the cider 815183. 5. South of the Greensand Ridge is Fabulous (7) says it is well worth a visit. orchards and to a lewd mess (5) 3 The sun shines on this 25 May, horse-drawn barge trip the newly opened 10–13 June 7 Seaside town is from the mixed- technology (10) Although I originally mentioned a barge Butterfly World Floral art in the garden, Hadlow up tram age (7) 4 We blew tar mix for this trip starting at Newbury, I have found a College, depicting a number 11 Village has got twins messed reservoir (4, 5) better proposition, starting and returning to of artworks around Broadview up (8) 6 Local authority in a muddy Godalming: a two-hour trip down the River Gardens. 13 A crossing to paradise? (10) ditch (5) Wey. Nearby is Winkworth Arboretum, 14 This river is North with disrupted 8 A tasty town (8) now owned by the National Trust, so I am 11 June trade (6) 9 Members Of The Empire initially arranging to visit this beautiful place. April In Celebration of Kent – an 19 Raptors can be found on can enjoy this open space (4, 4) is the best time to see an abundance of evening of poetry, prose and different trees of all colours. I intend to book this wooded hill, famous for 10 From the Old English for “landing music, Hadlow College, 7pm. For lunch at the Premier Inn at Godalming, further information call 01622 smuggling (9) place” (5) where you can choose and pay for your 817319. 20 If I want to go to this village do 12 West Kent lass (7, 4) own lunches. After lunch, we will go on the I go to Sheppey or Thanet? (7) 15 East Kent bloke (3, 2, 4) barge trip. 21 August 22 A new power station planned on 16 That place is eye-watering, bury 15 June, French gardens I have received An open-air presentation of the the Hoo Peninsula (7, 5) it quick! (12) enough interest to enable another trip to a comedy film Monty Python and 24 Kent’s most easterly point (5, 8) 17 A place for warbling? (8) French garden. A friend who has lived in numbers to 20 people per guide, and so, as 70 Harrietsham. If a enough people want to go the Holy Grail, Leeds Castle, 25 Livestock path in Maidstone, also 18 Not a place for the living, France for 40 years has suggested we visit of you have put your names down, I might on this trip, I can arrange for a coach to pick 8pm. Tickets £10, or £8.50 for a district (7) opposite Queenborough (8, 6) a garden they know well about an hour’s have to arrange tours on another day. I intend up in Harrietsham. I shall be sending out members of Protect Kent. See 26 Nasty high place in the Medway 21 Animal friend with pork can be journey from Boulogne, and he has offered to to organise a buffet lunch in our ancient barn. more details later in the year. page 15 for booking details. 12 August, Butterfly World, St Albans Estuary (6, 4) found at this village (6) be our guide. I For further information and to book tickets 10 July, Charing tours So many have await more information about this new venue please contact Margaret Micklewright (on 27 A watery place, on the marsh; 23 A place of worship on high expressed an interest in this outing that I am and will contact those who put their names Wednesdays only) or Sandra Dunn, at Protect sounds like the first motor-racing ground led us to victory (9) finding out if anyone else in the village (apart down as still being interested. Kent, 3 Evegate Park Barn, Station Road, Tickets for all Hadlow College circuit (10) from my husband) can help to lead conducted 23 September, cider orchards Smeeth, Ashford TN25 6SX. Telephone: events are available by calling 28 Another revolting peasant, in See www.protectkent.org.uk for the tours. The ones arranged in the past by Chegworths, who sell several varieties of 01303 815180, fax 01303 815189, email 01732 853211 1450 (4, 4) solution Charing History Society usually limited the apple and pear juice, have huge orchards near [email protected]

18 KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 www.protectkent.org.uk www.protectkent.org.uk KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 19 district news district news Round-up from the county’s committees

Ashford Dover by the superb professionalism of officers and Medway Council’s Green Grid Forum, Our seeds go wild other witnesses who gave time and mental which meets under the chairmanship of the hilary moorby Glyn Thomas energy to seeking to protect the countryside council’s rural strategy officer, is working with and the quality of life of the people of partners on a coastal access strategy that will Geoff Roberts is a valued member of the Maidstone from the ravages of KIG. be part of a national scheme. Stretches of the I never seem to have anything to report The most important and most distressing Dover Committee and of the Transport Other planning applications were dealt Thames and Medway estuary coast, which but yet more documents for the local news this time is that the planning inspector Group. with. I support the idea of inviting the are not readily accessible, or are little known, development framework (LDF). has found the core strategy of the Dover LDF He also excels in other fields including KCC gypsy officer to a meeting to discuss could experience much greater numbers We are now waiting for the inspectors’ to be sound. This means that the building of breeding cocker spaniels. One spaniel the situation in Kent. While acknowledging of visitors, primarily for walking, but also report on the Town Centre development plan 14,000 houses over the next 20-30 years is came along to a Kent County Show and the wish of many members of the with more “facilities” – which would bring document (DPD). We made representations authorised. helped to attract many to our stand. gypsy community to settle and provide increased pressure on some sensitive areas. to the inquiry in October 2009. The report This includes nearly 6,000 in and around At this particular show, another idea to opportunities for their children to attend I believe that this should be approached was due early 2010. See update on page 10. Whitfield. This decision was reached in spite attract new members was to give away the same school on a regular basis, there is with caution. The charm of the remoter parts We are also responding to yet another of strong arguments against it by Protect wild flower seeds. resentment about their ability to set up static of the North Kent Marshes is just that — the version of Tenterden and Rural sites DPD. Kent, the Dover District Committee and a Many of those on the stand took a seed caravans in the countryside where other rare sense of remoteness and tranquillity In addition, development briefs for well-organised campaign by the Whitfield packet for their gardens – including dwellings are not permitted. which can still be experienced. two major urban extensions are also Action Group. Geoff. Many of those seeds are probably Developments at the Kent Showground being prepared, Cheesman’s Green and The full privatisation of the Port of either still in their packets or blown – in the Kent Downs AONB – are awaited Sevenoaks Chillmington Green. Each will eventually Dover, if it goes ahead, will raise a number away by the wind – but not Geoff’s! with interest. The concentration on farming contain 6,000-7,000 houses, both are south of issues of concern CPRE. Reports in a Oh no – he decided to put them in matters for the Kent Show is welcomed. Nigel Britten of Ashford on greenfield sites. We have to try local newspaper suggest that privatisation the ground in his garden, choosing a This is likely to be, for Maidstone planning, to make sure the best possible design, layouts is the only way that the funds needed to particularly unpromising spot up against the year of the revised local development and environmental solutions are obtained. realise the ambitious plans for the Western a fence and expecting nothing. But that framework core strategy and the notes from It is a full year since the Sevenoaks LDF core Docks can be raised. The Dover committee was to underestimate both the fecundity the presentation given by Brian Lloyd at strategy went out for informal consultation. Canterbury supports the plans generally because of their of the CPRE seeds and his own genius. our AGM in July have been circulated to Before that, under Brian Lloyd’s guidance, we possible benefits to the town, but would be The result exceeded all expectations! all members in Maidstone borough and will organised briefing sessions for parish councils. Barrie Gore anxious and vigilant if, for example, the port Here is the proof! Glyn Thomas prove very useful in helping us determine our The final core strategy was published in were to fall into foreign ownership whose approach to the proposals. February, with representations invited by 25 emphasis might be on purely commercial Just how the planning system will be March. The examination in public is expected The new Marlowe Theatre has had a knock- considerations. food production and the rural economy in KHBC affected by the result of the general election is in July. on effect on the rest of the city. The council The quality of life of the population, both general. obviously unknowable. Perhaps the emphasis It will be interesting to see how much of wishes to pull down Westgate Hall to provide in the town and surrounding countryside, The situation calls for the creation of Peter Marsh on food production especially as near as the extensive commentary on the first draft a car park to serve the theatre, in contrast to must not suffer. There are also wider issues. an independent body with the remit to possible to the consumer will help to protect – essentially Brian’s work – has influenced its policy to reduce car parking in the city Any expansion of the freight-carrying business co-ordinate activity throughout the food the English countryside. CPRE generally the final version. Even more interesting centre! This hall provides a valuable facility in Dover would exacerbate the problems of chain; deploying resources and expertise The Kent Historic Buildings Committee was does seem to be recognising that farmers will be the simultaneous publication of the for public and private functions, and is lorry traffic on Kent’s roads. There is we fear as appropriate and overseeing training and formed some years ago under the wing of have a very important role to play in keeping allocations DPD, revealing the sites on which owned by the council, which will therefore be a tendency on the part of Dover Harbour development, raising public awareness and Kent Archaeological Society and CPRE to the countryside green and productive for Sevenoaks District Council plans to fulfil its deprived of a valuable building. Board even now to regard that as someone advising government on technical strategies undertake the commenting on listed building agriculture. quota under the South East Plan. To lessen this deprivation, it has applied else’s problem – and we are afraid that a more and policy development. In the latter case applications in Kent for the Council of Last year Sevenoaks Council issued a press for consent to substantial alterations and a remote ownership body would be even less there would seem to be an urgent need British Archaeology. Medway release to assure the public that there was large modern extension to Tower House in worried about it. to address the rising trend in the cost of Subsequently, for administrative reasons, more than enough land to accommodate the Westgate Gardens (both of which it owns) imported foods by supporting and promoting we became a solely specialist CPRE David Murr allocation without encroaching on the Green to enlarge it for private and public functions. Environment local produce. committee. Apart from working with CBA, Belt. That, however, will not apply to gypsy Westgate Gardens and Tower House can be The question arises as to a role for Protect we are interested in all listed buildings and and traveller sites. A recent appeal decision regarded as a jewel in Canterbury’s crown, Graham Warren Kent and environment group members conservation areas in the County. We are We now learn that the local development said: “Without a strong local commitment and have, until now, been very well cared for have been asked to put forward proposals available for advice and assistance to local framework core strategy for Medway will to find new gypsy sites in built-up areas… by the council, to which it was donated by for consideration by the board. There have CPRE district committees. If we can be of be delayed until November 2010, to be then the scale of need identified in the gypsy the Williamson family in 1936. Tower House Bernard Woods and Paul Bolas attended the already been some initiatives for raising public help, I suggest that the district committee submitted in March 2011, and not adopted and traveller accommodation assessment is listed Grade II, and incorporates an ancient Westminster food and nutrition seminar awareness of the need to support local food contact me at [email protected]. until October 2011. is inevitably going to require additional monument, being a medieval bastion that 21st-century Farming in the UK; Climate production; Sean Furey, for example, has been There will be more consultation before provision in the Green Belt…” formed part of the city wall. We believe this Change, Food Security and Sustainability. Its involved in launching initiatives and would Maidstone that time. Area action plans no longer exist, application should be withdrawn or refused. aim was to examine the challenges facing the welcome further support from members. leaving a core strategy with detail shown in Shepway The new theatre will provide facilities for industry, and to develop sustainable systems Meanwhile, he and Bernard Woods are FELICITY SIMPSON the master plan. In the meantime, plans for private and public use, and the new Beaney of production and distribution. The key issues gathering information. the 5,000-home development at Chattenden Paul Smallwood Library, which is due for completion at the include: The Department for Environment, Food and Lodge Hill are progressing, and further same time, will also provide much useable v Lack of public awareness of the pressures and Rural Affairs has now confirmed the Last year was for the Maidstone committee consultative meetings have been arranged by space – so why not wait and see before acting on the food chain and the implications of programmes for the public inquiries into the year of KIG and the public inquiry lasted the sponsors, Land Securities. At this stage we One of our main proposed developments, rashly over Tower House and Westgate Hall? climate change; water resource management plans for South from 13 October to 23 December. are concerned that some of the building could Sainsbury’s in Military Road, Hythe was From one planning consent, many v Neglect of training and recruitment to the East Water and Thames Water. I attended only sporadically and spoke be in areas of local landscape importance and approved by Shepway district councillors. A unfortunate developments can result. Can we industry and failure in government leadership The inquiry for South East Water will start briefly twice but the attendance of CPRE other areas sensitive to wildlife. The nearby legal technicality was noticed by a sharp-eyed really treat our historic and useful buildings in supporting research and development; at Ashford on 11 May; the Thames inquiry at Protect Kent was very high with Richard woodland fringes are important breeding areas in this way? v A continuing lack of investment in local Oxford on 15 June. Knox-Johnston taking the lead backed up for nightingales. n To page 22

20 KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 www.protectkent.org.uk www.protectkent.org.uk KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 21 district news district news

Kent Voice Round-up from Kent’s committees Kent Voice is published by Protect Kent (the Kent branch of CPRE), a company limited by Kemsley, was held in December. Protect Kent number of empty shops in its town centre Highways Agency suggests that there is greenfield sites. However, during the course n From page 21 guarantee registered in England is generally in favour of the proposal but the – well over 25%. also some signage work still to be done to of the EIP some rather alarming assertions lawyer, which will at least shorten stay of Swale branch’s concerns are over traffic flows Thanet District Council is piloting complete the installation. We believe that the concerning the strategic housing land number 04335730, registered execution with an article 14 direction being increasing the pressure on junction five of the measures to help local companies inject life problems might be used to bolster the case for availability assessment (SHLAA) were made charity number 1092012, issued by Government Office of the South M2, causing increased demand for another back into these shops but one is forced to the lorry park. by the developers’ representatives: Address: 3 Evegate Park Barn, East (GOSE). It has since been approved. link. wonder whether his would be necessary if We are concerned at the enthusiasm for a v That the SHLAA proposed to build on Station Road, Smeeth, Ashford Otherwise, Sellindge is embattled by The exhibition seemed to allay most of they had not supported the development of second bridge over the Thames being shown more than 2,600 town centre car parking TN25 6SX. four large planning challenges. KCC held these fears: the out-of-town Westwood Cross shopping by the Department for Transport, KCC and, spaces, including the 1,000 space multi-storey Telephone 01303 815180, fax v a public meeting in Lympne Village Hall The wood to be used is largely already centre which has pulled so much trade from we believe, Essex County Council. This is to long-term car park. This appeared to prejudge 01303 815189, email info@ on 8 February, to discuss the subject of a being transported to the site for shipping to the heart of Thanet’s historic town centres… avoid the congestion at the current bridge, the outcome of the proposed review of the protectkent.org.uk proposed anaerobic digester and recycling Germany which appears to be mainly due to the tolls. need for a park and ride scheme. We believe facility by Countrystyle Recycling Ltd. v Most extra transport would probably be by We keep promoting the idea of installing that the population of Tunbridge Wells, and Transport group Editor Gemma Watts More than 200 people attended this boat high-speed tolls to reduce this congestion, so especially its businesses and traders, are as meeting, including representatives of Protect v The economies of scale suggest that Gary Thomas far without result. Should a second crossing completely unaware of this proposal to build Production editor Kent. It is expected that a decision will be increasing size of the power plant above the be built, it would have to be tolled as well to on the car parks as we were Stephen Rayner made by the council by May. present proposal would be unlikely. avoid significant traffic diversion away from v That sites included in the SHLAA also (email [email protected]) It has recently been announced that Swale, in conjunction with the Canterbury The transport group has been tackling a wide the current crossing, or all tolls removed. included allotments and playing fields (whose Shepway District Council has been awarded committee, objected to changes of land use range of issues, which tend to progress rather Other road issues of perhaps lower development would presumably be fiercely £50,000 by the government to prepare a to horse-keeping at Dunkirk. However, the slowly. significance include objecting to advertising resisted, and if permission were given, these Patron Sir Donald Sinden CBE master plan for housing-led development at application was approved. This is quite a The KIG Inquiry is now over and we all signs on roundabouts and investigating uses would presumably have to be displaced President Graham Clarke Sellindge, which it is claimed is a community- common situation and it is our intention await the inspectors’ report, which we think responsibilities for signs obscured by to greenfield land) Vice-presidents led initiative. It seems that nobody locally was to look at forms of hedging etc that will is unlikely to be ready until after the general vegetation. v That the rural fringe land includes Amanda Cottrell, Damien Green aware of this initiative, and we are seeking ameliorate the deleterious landscape effects election. That will determine the future of the Objections have been made to Manston three schools (at least two of which are MP, Derek Wyatt MP, Sir Robert clarification on its origins. of horse-keeping. The intention is to suggest proposed BIG freight depot and its associated Business Park (China Gateway) and the most unlikely to become available for Worcester DL, Gary Thomas, superior hedging is made a condition if involvement with the Borough Green bypass. manner in which it was handled by Thanet development), and that this rural fringe land Hilary Moorby Swale CPRE’s objections are ignored. This latter is now in the KCC planning Council, with little regard to the wider traffic cannot therefore be viewed as a strategic Chairman A proposal was received about development system, on the original route, although held up implications. reserve Richard Knox-Johnston Peter Blandon of Bapchild village. This has been opposed by for the moment while waiting for the decision Dover Harbour Board is putting forward v That in consequence a Green Belt review Vice-chairman Christine Drury the Swale committee in the past. on KIG. plans for a massive increase in the size of could become necessary during the period Company secretary & office A plan to change of use of barn at Yew Tree The county council has produced in draft the Western Docks, which among other covered by the core strategy manager sandra Dunn I took up the position of chairman after the House, Throwley to accommodation and a document, Growth without Gridlock, which objectives seeks to increase their throughput v Moreover, it was not until the EIP had Hon treasurer alan Holmes annual meeting in November 2009 when movement of footpath will be discussed at our outlines its proposed policies and objectives, of lorry traffic, which would have effects closed that the local newspapers alerted Director hilary Newport Malcolm Moore stood down. next meeting and an objection is likely. and describes a large number of possible on Operation Stack in the future if people to the fact that 600 houses are Deputy director sean Furey A presentation about the Port of Sheerness Sainsbury’s planned development in transport projects. We have a considerable improvements are not pursued. proposed for greenfield land on the southern Senior planner Brian Lloyd Master Plan was made by Peel Holdings in Faversham has been opposed by CPRE Kent number of concerns and will be responding. Several aviation issues resulted in us putting or southeastern side of Paddock Wood. It also Publicity officer Gemma Watts Sheerness in November. but the Swale committee has not commented We continue to object to the proposal by in objections, particularly Manston night emerged during the EIP that these houses at The main concern of CPRE Swale is that on the proposal. This application has now KCC to build a huge lorry park at Sellindge flights, the Manston Master Plan, which Paddock Wood are expected to provide the District chairmen any increase in traffic would create extra been approved. to try to deal with Operation Stack. A “quick envisages growth of the airport up to six affordable housing required by the villages Ashford pressure on junction five of the M2. The moveable barrier” has been installed between million passengers a year and the expansion of near Paddock Wood. Providing housing in the Hilary Moorby 01233 621539 proposals are at a very early stage and the Thanet junctions 11 and 12, which should provide a Lydd airport to cater for more passengers and nearest town seems a curious way of providing Canterbury aspects that are outside CPRE’s remit do not contraflow on the London-bound carriageway bigger aeroplanes. affordable rural housing. Barrie Gore 01227 768829 seem to be causes for concern. The transport while lorries are parked coastbound. There was much questioning by the Dartford/Gravesham issues will be kept under review. Thanet is highlighted in detail on pages Installed at a cost of some £12 million, Tunbridge Wells inspector on whether the core strategy John Dand 01474 812204 An exhibition of proposals for the Evonik 10 and 11 but as we went to press, Thanet it has been used only once, when the sufficiently implemented the regional hub role Dover biomass plant, which would generate heat and was in the national headlines. Margate topped management performance was clearly given to Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and Elizabeth Akenhead Glyn Thomas 01304 822321 power using wood waste at Ridham Dock, the list of English towns with the highest questionable. Recent information from the Malling by the South East Plan. This is an Maidstone example of something in the South East Plan Felicity Simpson 01622 738852 The Tunbridge Wells committee has been which originally seemed fairly unimportant Medway struggling somewhat because of its small and unobjectionable turning into a major David Murr 01634 389519 400 Club membership, and we continue to try to concern. recruit new members. A small section of the wording concerning Sevenoaks Here are the prizes awarded since the last (96), £50 to LW Wallace (5) and £20 to M B Butcher (227) and Miss S Jacobs We have been extremely grateful for Brian the Green Belt is to be readvertised, but it is Nigel Britten 01959 523765 edition of Kent Voice: Mrs S Pittman (55) and DW Eddison (40). (156), £20 to M Crux (21) and J H Lloyd’s extremely professional help and his unlikely to mean much to the uninitiated. Shepway October: £40 to Mrs H Bosence (267), A new club started in January. Fewer Turnpenny (176). appearances on our behalf at the Examination We are left with a sense that as a Paul Smallwood 01303 813198 £30 to M Crux (72), £25 to M Soder (74) than 400 shares have been sold, so the February: £40 to AP Kooman (291), in Public (EIP) on the draft Tunbridge Wells committee we should have examined the Swale and J J Bunton (239), £20 to Mrs D Waite prizes have been slightly reduced from those £30 to P F Harvey (55), £25 to Mrs M C Core Strategy. draft core strategy and the SHLAA more Peter Blandon 01795 843086 (324) and Mrs P Pollock (313). shown on the application form. If new Beach (65) and D W Eddison (363), £20 to We had been reassured, both at a meeting carefully, but it is clear that the developers’ Thanet November: £40 to Mrs ME Price (211), members come forward then the prize fund Mr & Mrs J Mercy (158) and M Loveday with council officers and by the wording professional planners also had great difficulty Colin Bridge 01843 846427 £30 to AK Harden (3), £25 to W Meadows will be increased accordingly. (300). of the draft core strategy, that the borough extracting information from the council and Tonbridge & Malling (354) and PR Rogers (51) and £20 to Mrs Prizes awarded to date are: January: Shares are available. If you would like council thought it could largely accommodate understanding what they were planning. We Harry Rayner 01732 885200 S Humphrey (329) and P Stevens (134). £40 to Mrs R B Wood (280), £30 to join this year’s club please contact the the number of houses required by the South offer our rather unsatisfactory experience in Tunbridge Wells December: £200 to Miss J Lushington to C D Hayman (60), £25 to Miss branch office. East Plan without needing to build on the hope that other districts may learn by it. Elizabeth Akenhead 01892 723920

22 KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 www.protectkent.org.uk www.protectkent.org.uk KENT VOICE SPRING 2010 23 Our county is a conduit – some say a bottleneck – between Britain and Threats mainland Europe. And that puts us in a dangerous position, says Hilary Newport

tour Threats to Kent mapKent has into the summer. Until then, the prospect 6 Erosion of tranquillity of Kent Downs been a talking point ever of a planning application for the freight AONB since we launched it in the interchange at Borough Green (2) remains in 7 Greenbelt boundary reviews last edition of Kent Voice, so the balance. Meanwhile aviation matters are 8 Harbledown park and ride we plan to keep it as a regular still in the forefront with the introduction of 9 Kent International Gateway O 10 Kent Science Park expansion feature to chart the comings and goings of the regular scheduled services to Scotland from challenges that Kent’s countryside faces. Manston Airport (15) this summer, and the 11 Kingsnorth coal-fired power station Kent remains under pressure from its prospect of “Boris Island” (the mayor of 12 Lower Thames Crossing location as the conduit – some would say the London’s idea of moving Heathrow Airport 13 Lydd Airport expansion bottleneck – between the UK and mainland to a man-made island in the Thames Estuary) 14 Maidstone growth point Europe and many of the challenges we face (19). Watch this space. 15 Manston Airport are the direct result of the huge amounts 16 Operation Stack lorry park of freight that are transported through the 1 Ashford growth area 17 Road-based freight growth – Dover county. 2 Borough Green freight interchange port expansion The inquiry into the Kent International 3 China Gateway 18 Sludge Recycling Plant Gateway is over (9), but the outcome remains 4 Combating drought – Bewl Water 19 Thames Estuary Airport uncertain and will probably remain until well 5 Dover growth point 20 Thames Gateway Growth Area

Protect Kent (the Kent Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England) is a company limited by guarantee registered in England, number 04335730, registered charity number 1092012, 3 Evegate Park Barn, Station Road, Smeeth, Ashford TN25 6SX