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4.1 We hold our environment in trust for current and future generations.
Kent's natural environment is a prized asset which in some parts
of the county is recognised as superb. Protecting and enhancing
the environment is fundamental to ensuring the well being and prosperity
of this and future generations. The challenge for the Structure
Plan is to protect the environment while at the same time allowing
for essential development.
- Protecting the countryside, coast, fauna and flora
- Conserving and enhancing the differing landscapes of Kent
and their distinctive character
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4.2. Kent's countryside and coast are varied and have an intrinsic
value of their own. Their many distinctive features include: the
North Kent Marshes; the steep cliffs around Dover and Thanet; the
scarp slopes of the North Downs; the intimate woodlands of the High
Weald; the vast shingle beaches and open expanses of Romney Marsh;
and the county's traditional patterns of streams, fields, hedgerows
and orchards.
4.3 Landscapes operate at many levels, from local networks of wildlife
habitats through river catchments such as the areas alongside the
Stour and Medway to the way people live, work and enjoy the countryside.
Both natural and man made elements influence the structure of the
countryside, including such things as geology and soils, topography,
vegetation cover and enclosure patterns.
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The landscapes of Kent are important for themselves
and because of the impact they have on the quality of life
of those who live, work and spend time in the county. The
benefits include:
- Supporting the economy of rural areas, including farming;
- Influencing perceptions of Kent and encouraging tourism
and investment;
- Contributing to people's enjoyment, education, health
and well-being;
- Providing an attractive setting for Kent's villages and
towns;
- Supporting features which help maintain day-to-day living,
such as defence against flooding provided by coastal habitats;
- Maintaining natural systems which contribute to daily
needs such as water catchments;
- Preserving our relationships with nature and with past
cultures.
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4.4 The Kent coast and estuaries are an important local and national
resource, particularly in terms of nature conservation value, scenic
quality and their importance for recreation. However, they are under
pressure from a variety of commercial and recreational uses. Opportunities
for development within undeveloped stretches of coast are increasingly
limited. Every effort should be made to protect undeveloped stretches
of our coastline. However there may be developments that require
a coastal location or direct access to the water e.g. port facilities
and related development or sea defence works. In cases like these
the local planning authorities should assess what impact the proposed
development would have on the landscape, seascape and conservation
of the stretch of estuary or coastline involved. They should also
consider defining the extent of undeveloped coast and estuaries
in Local Development Documents in order to allow the objectives
of Policy E2 to be applied clearly. This should include assessment
of the extent to which Policy E2 will apply inland of the undeveloped
coast and estuaries. Within built up coastal and estuarial areas
assessment of the impacts of development on townscape and the seascape
or riverscape will also be important including the contribution
made to the retention or opening up of views of the water.
4.5 The main river estuaries are important wildlife corridors.
The Tidal Thames is a wildlife corridor of considerable importance
bordered by the Thames Gateway growth area. Measures to sustain
and improve the quality and quantity of its wildlife habitats (through,
for example, the Tidal Thames Habitat Action Plan) should be pursued.
4.6 Protection and enhancement of the countryside and coast should
reflect the way they are valued, take account of the factors which
have helped shape them, and respect the functions they serve.
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Policy E1:
Kent's countryside will be protected for its own sake. Development
in the countryside should seek to maintain or enhance it.
Development which will adversely affect the countryside will
not be permitted unless there is an overriding need for it
which outweighs the requirement to protect the countryside
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Policy E2:
Kent's undeveloped coast and estuaries, except where allocated
for port development and associated infrastructure, will be
conserved and enhanced. Development in such areas and in adjoining
countryside will not be permitted if it materially detracts
from the scenic, heritage, wildlife or scientific value of
these areas.
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4.7 Kent's identity as the Garden of England is well established
but its character is being eroded, even in areas where the landscape
is protected. Changing agricultural practices, new transport infrastructure
and other development have all had an impact.
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The seven main natural character areas of Kent identified
by the Countryside Agency and English Nature are:
- Greater Thames Estuary
- North Kent Plain
- Kent Downs
- Wealden Greensand
- Low Weald
- High Weald
- Romney Marshes
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4.8 Changes in the countryside which are necessary and inevitable
should be managed in a way which, as far as possible, strengthens
its pattern and diversity rather than eroding character and distinctiveness.
Government guidance places increasing emphasis on conserving the
countryside by assessing the character of its landscape. This approach
will help to ensure that Kent's character and distinctiveness are
safeguarded, and where possible, enhanced. Landscape character embraces
not only visual appearance of the countryside and sense of place
but also its natural and cultural heritage.
4.9 Each of the main character areas shown on the map has a unique
make-up of geology and soils, biodiversity, appearance, settlement
and land use patterns, history, locally distinctive architecture,
and degree of tranquillity. The main areas are divided further into
local character areas which have been given broad priorities for
the conservation, restoration, reinforcement and creation of distinctive
landscape features.
4.10 Local Planning Authorities will need to carry out more detailed
character assessments for their areas within the period of this
Plan. Supplementary Planning Guidance on county wide landscape character
assessments will accompany the Structure Plan and help authorities
prepare Local Development Documents. Kent County Council's Landscape
Strategy Map, Medway Council's Landscape and Urban Design Framework,
and the Kent Historic Landscape Characterisation Study, all provide
guidance and information to assist in implementing the policy. The
historic dimension of the landscape is also addressed by Policy
QL10. The Landscape Strategy Map offers guidance on a Kent wide
approach to protecting and enhancing landscapes and sets out priorities
for landscape action. It also suggests how the type, scale and form
of development which is justified might respect the character of
the countryside.
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Policy E3:
Kent's landscape and wildlife habitats will be conserved
and enhanced. Development will not be permitted if it would
lead to the loss of features or habitats which are of landscape,
historic, wildlife or geological importance, or are of an
unspoilt quality free from urban intrusion unless there is
a need for development which outweighs these countryside considerations.
Where a need for development in the countryside is justified
important features and characteristics will be retained. Proposals
will be required to reflect the need for conservation, reinforcement,
restoration or creation of countryside character and provide
for the appropriate management of important features and the
wider landscape.
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Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast
4.11 Kent has two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs),
the Kent Downs and the High Weald, and two stretches of Heritage
Coast, which stretch from Kingsdown to Dover and from Dover to Folkestone.
These are nationally important landscapes which have a similar status
to national parks. The emphasis within them is to conserve their
natural beauty whilst having regard to the area's economic and social
well being. Development proposals outside the designated area of
an AONB should be considered for any effect they might have on the
natural beauty of the AONB.
4.12 Past policy has served these areas well but there is evidence
that their natural beauty and distinctiveness are threatened by
a range of activities, many of which are not under planning control.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 requires the preparation
of AONB Management Plans. Measures and actions set out in these
plans, alongside policies in the Structure Plan and local plans/development
documents, will be designed to ensure that Kent's AONBs are protected
and enhanced.
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Policy E4:
Protection will be given to the nationally important landscapes
of:
- the Kent Downs and High Weald Areas of Outstanding Natural
Beauty; and
- Kent's Heritage Coast between Kingsdown and Dover and
between Dover and Folkestone.
The primary objective in these areas will be to protect and
enhance landscape character and natural beauty.
Major commercial, mineral or transport infrastructure developments
will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that:
i. there is a proven national interest;
ii. there are no alternative sites available or
the need cannot be met in any other way; and
iii. appropriate provision can be made to minimise
harm to the environment.
Other development which would be detrimental to the natural
beauty, quality and character of the landscape and quiet enjoyment
of the area will not be permitted. Development that is essential
to meet local social or economic needs should be permitted
provided that it is consistent with the purpose of Areas of
Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast.
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Special Landscape Areas
4.13 Certain areas within the county have been designated as Special
Landscape Areas (SLAs) within previous Structure Plans because of
their strategic landscape importance and scenic significance in
a county-wide context. Their detailed boundaries have been defined
in local plans. Recent studies county-wide have revealed that landscape
character in some of these areas has declined.
4.14 SLAs are retained in this Plan and should continue to provide
a focus for the conservation and restoration of landscape character,
but they should no longer extend over the nationally designated
AONBs.
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Policy E5:
Special Landscape Areas are defined as follows and indicated
on the Key Diagram. Detailed boundaries of the SLAs will be
reviewed and defined in local plans/development documents.
North Downs
Greensand Ridge
High Weald
Eastern Low Weald
Western Low Weald
Old Romney Shoreline
North Kent Marshes
Sandwich Bay/Pegwell Bay
Dungeness
Blean Woods
The primary objective in Special Landscape Areas will be
the long term protection and enhancement of the quality of
the landscape whilst having regard to their economic and social
well being.
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4.15 Although the principal aim is to protect and enhance the landscape
character and natural beauty of both AONBs and SLAs, the needs of
agriculture, forestry, the rural economy and local communities should
be taken into account. These areas of natural landscape can play
an important part in providing informal recreation but only where
it does not impact upon their natural beauty. New development which
is needed to improve the social and economic life of local communities
within AONBs and SLAs should be located within or immediately adjacent
to existing settlements. Diversification of the rural economy is
supported (Policies FP6 and FP7) within these areas but should be
consistent with AONB and SLA objectives.
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4.16 Kent contains a wide range of wildlife habitats and their
associated species. These include downland, woodland, meadows, rivers,
coastal habitats and wetlands. These nature conservation resources
continue to come under pressure. One example of this is that wild
bird populations, a general indicator for biodiversity, are continuing
to decline in Kent. This reflects a national trend caused by development
pressures and other activities such as more intensive agriculture.
These important resources need to be protected and encouraged, both
for their own sake, and for future generations.
4.17 Nature conservation can improve our quality of life. Green
spaces supporting wildlife interest, for example, can be very important
to local communities. Contact with, and access to, wildlife as an
everyday occurrence can contribute greatly to our health and wellbeing.
4.18 Development and other activities can have direct and indirect
impacts on areas of nature conservation interest. Development sites
can have an impact on a natural resource a considerable distance
away, particularly if the effect is related to air quality or water
resources. The impact of one development may be small but the cumulative
effect of several can be significant. Impacts can be avoided and
gains achieved by careful design and by guiding development away
from sensitive sites. Opportunities to deal with the impacts of
development on sensitive sites through mitigation measures should
be taken.
4.19 The Plan provides protection for wildlife. It seeks to identify
opportunities for enhancement taking account of the international,
national or local importance of wildlife populations. Supplementary
Planning Guidance on Nature Conservation will be provided which
will elaborate the aims, objectives and targets of the UK and Kent
Biodiversity Action Plans and how these can be delivered and made
to work alongside development.
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4.20 Internationally and nationally designated sites contain the
best examples of our natural heritage. Sites of international importance
are designated under the terms of:
- the Ramsar Convention as Wetlands of International Importance
(Ramsar sites);
- the European Habitats Directive as Special Areas of Conservation
(SACs);
- the European Birds Directive as Special Protection Areas (SPAs).
4.21 Natura 2000 is the network of European sites (SPAs and SACs).
Development likely to affect such sites is subject to thorough assessment
(Conservation [Natural Habitats &c.] Regulations 1994).
4.22 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) have been notified
for their nationally important wildlife or geological features.
Some are managed as National Nature Reserves (NNR). There is a duty
on public bodies, including local authorities, to further the conservation
and enhancement of the special interest of SSSIs. Development proposals
must demonstrate that they will not adversely affect these sites.
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Policy E6:
Development will not be permitted where it would directly,
indirectly or cumulatively, materially harm the scientific
or nature conservation interests of any of the following categories
of sites:
- a European site;
- a proposed European site;
- a Ramsar site;
- a Site of Special Scientific Interest;
- a National Nature Reserve
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4.23 The network of local sites is of strategic importance for
delivering biodiversity targets as they contain many important habitats
such as ancient woodlands and lowland grassland.
4.24 Local Nature Reserves are designated by statute and are designed
to increase the public enjoyment and understanding of nature, as
well as nature conservation. County Wildlife Sites (designated by
the Kent Wildlife Trust) and Regionally Important Geological/ Geomorphological
Sites are of both strategic and local importance for wildlife and
the earth's heritage. Many contain nationally important habitats
and contribute to wildlife diversity.
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Policy E7:
Development which would materially harm the scientific or
nature conservation interests, either directly, indirectly
or cumulatively, of:
- Local Nature Reserves
- County Wildlife Sites identified in Local Development
Documents
- Regionally Important Geological/ Geomorphological Sites
will not be permitted unless there is a need which outweighs
the local nature conservation or geological/ geomorphological
interest and adverse impacts can be adequately compensated.
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4.25 The Kent Biodiversity Action Plan underlines the commitment
to safeguarding biological diversity in Kent. It considers whole
ecosystems, recognising that safeguarding and enhancing wildlife
cannot be done by just conserving sites. It seeks to safeguard and
improve priority habitats and species found in the wider countryside
and to identify areas of biodiversity potential where net improvements
can be achieved.
4.26 Habitats often occur as fragments within the landscape, providing
wildlife corridors, links or stepping stones from one habitat to
another. Preventing further fragmentation by safeguarding existing
habitats and improving linkages between them will help to maintain
the current range and diversity of our flora and fauna.
4.27 Future development should seek to maintain existing habitats
and reverse fragmentation by identifying areas where the biodiversity
potential is greatest. Restoration and enhancement efforts should
be concentrated in areas where there is scope for significant nature
conservation gain or where the most valuable and fragile habitats
and species occur.
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Policy E8:
Important wildlife habitats and species will be protected,
maintained and enhanced, especially through long term management
and habitat creation schemes, particularly where they have
been identified as national and county priorities in the UK
and Kent Biodiversity Action Plan(s), or where they are protected
under wildlife legislation. This will be secured by:
(i) Ensuring that site evaluation is undertaken
to establish the nature conservation value of proposed development
sites;
(ii) Identifying, safeguarding and managing existing
and potential land for nature conservation as part of development
proposals, particularly where a connected series of sites
can be achieved;
(iii) Local planning authorities identifying locations
and proposals for habitat and species management, restoration
and creation.
Development likely to have an adverse effect, directly, indirectly
or cumulatively, on important habitats or species will not
be permitted unless:
- there is an overriding need for the development that
outweighs the nature conservation interest; and
- loss of an important nature conservation resource can
be adequately compensated and lesser impacts mitigated.
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4.28 Trees, woodland and hedgerows are important features in the
Kent and Medway landscape. Woodland and hedgerows have many benefits.
They contribute to landscape character, provide wildlife habitats,
contribute to biodiversity, and help to maintain the balance of
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Woodland can also have a commercial
value. Woodland within built-up areas and around the urban fringe
can provide further wildlife habitats and enhance damaged landscapes.
4.29 It is strategic policy to increase tree cover in Kent, one
of the least wooded of the counties in the South East (see chart).
Hedgerows and woodland have been lost largely through agricultural
intensification and development. However, Kent does possess more
identified ancient woodland than any other county in the UK - around
10% of the national total. This is a unique resource in terms of
biodiversity, heritage and landscape character.
4.30 New development provides an opportunity for planting trees,
woodland and hedgerows. This can improve the character of settlements
and enhance the appearance of the nearby countryside. It can link
remnants of ancient woodlands, enhance biodiversity and improve
access for recreation. The scope for major new woodlands will be
greatest adjoining larger urban areas, particularly where significant
new development is planned such as in Kent Thameside, Ashford and
in urban fringe locations where it could help to restore damaged
land. At other appropriate locations, such as Thanet or in the former
East Kent Coalfield area, smaller areas of woodland planting will
be encouraged.
4.31 Kent and Medway Councils will continue to carry out tree planting
and manage trees and woodlands on their own land and to promote
these activities to other woodland owners. A specific objective
will be to increase the cover of broad-leaved woodland. Other priorities
will include improving the management of small woodlands including
the county's significant resource of coppice, marketing woodland
products, and fostering community interest in woodlands.
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Policy E9:
Provision should be made for the creation of new woodland,
especially indigenous broad-leaved species at appropriate
locations in Kent, including provision of new habitats as
part of development proposals.
Tree cover and the hedgerow network should be maintained
and, where it would improve the landscape, enhanced. Ancient
and semi-natural woodland will be protected and, where possible,
enhanced.
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4.32 Creation of 'Community Forests' around major urban areas
can give communities access to green space and provide an important
way to manage and enhance the urban fringe. Such forests, especially
when made up of native species, can enhance the landscape, create
opportunities for recreation, bolster economic confidence and encourage
investment. Existing wildlife habitats and landscape character must
be protected. The Government's Sustainable Communities Plan encourages
consideration of Community Forests in the regional growth areas.
Their potential in Thames Gateway (Kent) and Ashford should be examined
and, where this is confirmed, proposals included in Local Development
Documents. At other appropriate locations smaller community woodland
planting should be examined.
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Policy E10:
The potential for community forests or community woodland
sites will be investigated in North Kent and at Ashford and
other suitable locations and where appropriate, defined and
safeguarded in Local Development Documents.
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4.33 The countryside around our towns can make an important contribution
to our quality of life. It connects built-up areas with the wider
open countryside allowing people access to green space, woodland
and recreational activities. The urban fringe is subject to a wide
range of pressures, particularly from new development and other
activities, and it often contains damaged land. But there are opportunities
to improve its appearance and wildlife value, as well as making
it more accessible by careful management and planning. Enhancing
the urban fringe is particularly important in areas such as Kent
Thameside and Ashford and other places where significant changes
to the form and structure of the urban areas is proposed.
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Policy E11:
Local Planning Authorities will work together and with others
to draw up strategies for ensuring effective environmental
management and high quality design for urban fringe areas,
particularly in Dartford/Gravesham (Kent Thameside), at Ashford
and where other large-scale new developments are proposed.
Local Development Documents will provide policies for such
areas that ensure:
- The maintenance or enhancement of landscape and urban
character;
- The creation of new habitats;
- The safeguarding of land for public access and the provision
of recreational networks, including linkage with existing
communities/built-up areas;
- Where appropriate, the enhancement of damaged or degraded
land.
Where directly related, contributions from developments to
the implementation of such programmes may be required
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4.34 Kent contains the main river valleys of the Darent, Medway,
and Stour. Rivers and their adjoining areas are of great importance
for water resource and flood risk management, nature conservation,
fisheries, recreation and tourism. They often make a significant
contribution to the character of the landscape and they provide
pleasant green corridors in many of Kent's towns. They can provide
safe and convenient walking and cycling. Both new development and
redevelopment should minimise flood risk and enhance the river and
riverside environment. This could be by increasing public access,
improving water-related habitats, landscape or water quality, or
securing the restoration of natural river features.
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Policy E12:
The environment within river corridors, including the landscape,
water environment and wildlife habitats, will be conserved
and enhanced. Where consistent with this provision will be
made for:
- increased opportunities for access and water recreation;
- increased public access for walking and cycling and links
to existing rights of way and cycleway networks.
Sustainable water resource and flood risk management should
deliver environmental benefits.
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4.35 Kent's primary road and rail routes are used by large numbers
of people from within and outside the county and include routes
which carry significant tourist traffic. The character and quality
of the landscape along these routes is important because it influences
the perceptions of visitors and potential investors and because
it can help to mitigate the impact of the routes themselves and
the traffic which uses them.
4.36 Considerable advances have been made in the quality of landscaping
treatment achieved on such routes through local authorities working
in partnership with other bodies such as the Highways Agency and
Network Rail. The construction of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link through
Kent is testament to the benefits that can be achieved from a concerted
programme of environmental treatment and enhancement. Policy E13
promotes enhancement of environmental quality along the county's
motorway and primary road and passenger rail networks as identified
on the Key Diagram.
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Policy E13:
Enhancement of landscape quality and character along primary
road and rail routes, including important tourist routes,
will be promoted.
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4.37 Kent possesses a rich heritage of ancient lanes which date
back to medieval, Saxon and even pre-historic times. As well as
having historic value they contribute to nature conservation and
add to the distinctive character of the countryside. Some are coming
under pressure and need to be protected and enhanced. Local authorities
should identify such lanes in Local Development Documents supported
as appropriate by surveys and environmental and archaeological advice.
4.38 Measures to safeguard Kent's rural lanes should include traffic
restraint, imposing speed restrictions, limiting road upgrading,
planting initiatives and making tree preservation orders. Other
options include traffic orders, and voluntary routeing agreements
with adjoining landowners and key industrial, commercial or agricultural
users. The Greensand Ridge Quiet Lanes scheme is one of two national
demonstration projects which aims to make lanes more attractive
for cyclists, horse riders and walkers while maintaining essential
access for local residents, essential services and businesses. Other
rural transport initiatives and policies can be found in the Transport
Chapter of this Plan and in the Local Transport Plan for Kent.
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Policy E14:
Rural lanes which are of landscape, amenity, nature conservation,
historic or archaeological importance will be protected from
changes and management practices which would damage their
character, and where possible will be enhanced.
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