chapter 4 Protecting and enhancing our natural environment · PDF fileRomney Marsh;the...

chapter 4

Protecting and enhancing ournatural environment

63 Kent and Medway Structure Plan 2006

chapter 4

Protecting andenhancing our

naturalenvironment

4.1 We hold our environment in trust forcurrent and future generations. Kent’s naturalenvironment is a prized asset that in some partsof the county is recognised as superb. Protecting,conserving and enhancing the environment isfundamental to ensuring the well-being andprosperity of this and future generations.Thechallenge for the Structure Plan is to protect theenvironment while at the same time allowing foressential development.

Key issues for Kent:

Protecting, conserving and enhancing the:1 Countryside1 Coast1 Flora and fauna1 Differing landscapes of Kent and their

distinctive character

Countryside and coast

4.2. Kent’s countryside and coast are varied andhave an intrinsic value of their own.Their manydistinctive features include: the North KentMarshes; the steep cliffs around Dover andThanet; the scarp slopes of the North Downs;the intimate woodlands of the High Weald; thevast shingle beaches and open expanses ofRomney Marsh; the county’s traditional patternsof streams, fields, hedgerows and orchards.

4.3 Landscapes operate at many levels, from localnetworks of wildlife habitats through river

catchments such as the areas alongside the Stourand Medway to the way people live, work andenjoy the countryside. Both natural and man-made elements influence the character of the countryside, including geology and soils, topography, vegetation cover and enclosure patterns.

64Kent and Medway Structure Plan 2006

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Protecting and enhancing our natural environment

The landscapes of Kent are important forthemselves and because of the impact theyhave on the quality of life of those who live,work and spend time in the county.Thebenefits include:1 supporting the economy of rural areas,

including farming1 influencing perceptions of Kent and

encouraging tourism and investment1 contributing to people’s enjoyment,

education, health and well-being1 providing an attractive setting for Kent’s

villages and towns1 supporting features which help maintain

day-to-day living, such as the defence against flooding provided by coastal habitats

1 maintaining natural systems which contribute to daily needs such as water catchments

1 preserving our relationships with nature and with past cultures.

4.4 The Kent coast and estuaries are animportant local and national resource,particularly in terms of their nature conservationvalue, scenic quality and importance forrecreation. However, they are under pressurefrom a variety of commercial and recreationaluses. Opportunities for development withinundeveloped stretches of coast are increasinglylimited. Every effort should be made to protectundeveloped stretches of Kent’s coastline.Theremay, though, be developments that require acoastal location or direct access to the watere.g. port facilities and related development orsea defence works. In cases like these the localplanning authorities should assess what impactthe proposed development would have on thelandscape, seascape and conservation of thestretch of estuary or coastline involved.Theyshould also consider defining the extent ofundeveloped coast and estuaries in LocalDevelopment Documents in order to allow theobjectives of Policy EN2 to be applied clearly.This should include assessment of the extent towhich Policy EN2 will apply inland of the

undeveloped coast and estuaries.Within built-upcoastal and estuarial areas, it will also beimportant to assess the impacts of developmenton the townscape and on the seascape orriverscape, including the contribution made toretaining or opening up views of the water.

4.5 The main river estuaries are importantwildlife corridors.The Tidal Thames is a wildlifecorridor of considerable importance borderedby theThames Gateway growth area. Measures tosustain and improve the quality and quantity of itswildlife habitats (through, for example, the TidalThames Habitat Action Plan) should be pursued.

4.6 The protection and enhancement of thecountryside and coast should reflect the waythey are valued, take account of the factors thathave helped shape them and respect thefunctions they serve.

4.7 There may be instances where, exceptionally,development is required in the countryside or atthe undeveloped coast.Wherever possible such aneed should be identified and assessed through thepreparation of Local Development Documents.This might arise in order to meet the housingand employment land provisions of the StructurePlan or to provide other strategically-importantfacilities (e.g. transport use) which cannot bemet within existing settlements, or to respondto the needs of rural communities where a rurallocation is required. All proposals will be subjectto the terms of Policies EN1 and EN2.Where acase of need is substantiated, appropriatemitigation of, or compensation for, any adverseimpacts should be secured to the satisfaction ofthe local planning authority.


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Countryside character

4.8 Kent’s identity as the Garden of England iswell established, but its character is beingeroded, even in areas where the landscape isprotected. Changing agricultural practices, newtransport infrastructure and other developmenthave all had an impact.

Policy EN1: Protecting Kent'sCountryside

Kent's countryside will be protected,conserved and enhanced for its ownsake. This is important for the social,economic and environmental well-being of Kent. Development in thecountryside should seek to maintain orenhance it. Development which willadversely affect the countryside willnot be permitted unless there is anoverriding need for it which outweighsthe requirement to protect thecountryside. Development sopermitted should include appropriatemitigation and/or compensation.

Policy EN2: Protecting Kent'sCoast and Estuaries

Kent's undeveloped coast and estuarieswill be protected, conserved andenhanced. Development in such areasand in adjoining countryside will not bepermitted if it materially detracts fromthe scenic, heritage, wildlife or scientificvalue of these areas. Development sopermitted should include appropriatemitigation and/or compensation.

4.9 Changes in the countryside, which arenecessary and inevitable, should be managed in away which, as far as possible, strengthens itspattern and diversity rather than eroding itscharacter and distinctiveness. Change may takeplace outside the planning system, and landmanagement practice plays a particularlyimportant role in managing the countryside.Government guidance places increasing emphasison conserving the countryside by assessing thecharacter of its landscape.This approach willhelp to ensure that Kent’s character anddistinctiveness are safeguarded and, wherepossible, enhanced. Landscape characterembraces not only the visual appearance of thecountryside and sense of place but also itsnatural and cultural heritage.

4.10 Each of the main character areas shown onthe map (overleaf) has a unique make-up of geologyand soils, biodiversity, appearance, settlement andland-use patterns, history, locally-distinctivearchitecture and degree of tranquillity.Within andacross Kent, these main areas have been dividedinto local character areas. Broad priorities forthe conservation, restoration, reinforcement andcreation of distinctive landscape features havebeen attached to these areas.

4.11 Supplementary Planning Guidance onLandscape Character (SPG1) supports theStructure Plan and will help authorities applyPolicies EN3 to EN5 in the preparation of theirLocal Development Documents and in

The seven main natural character areas ofKent identified by the Countryside Agency andEnglish Nature are:

1 Greater Thames Estuary1 North Kent Plain1 Kent Downs1 Wealden Greensand1 Low Weald1 High Weald1 Romney Marshes.


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Great Thames Estuary

North Kent Plain

Kent Downs

Wealden Greensland

Low Weald

High Weald

Romney Marshes

Countryside character

development control. Kent County Council’sLandscape Strategy Map (in SPG1), MedwayCouncil’s Landscape and Urban Design Frameworkand the Kent Historic Landscape CharacterisationStudy all provide guidance and information toassist in implementing Policy EN3.The historicdimension of the landscape is also addressed byPolicy QL9.The Landscape Strategy Map offersguidance on a Kent-wide approach to protecting,conserving and enhancing landscapes and setsout priorities for landscape action. It alsosuggests how the type, scale and form of justifieddevelopment might respect the character of thecountryside.

4.12 Local planning authorities will, asappropriate, need to carry out more detailedcharacter assessments for their areas within theperiod of this Plan and, to protect landscapeinterests, assess the role of criteria-basedpolicies in Local Development Documents.Where formal local assessments of landscape

Source: Countryside Comission, English Nature, 1996.

character and quality identify landscapes of localsignificance they should be designated in LocalDevelopment Documents in accordance withPolicy EN3.


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Policy EN3: Protecting andEnhancing CountrysideCharacter

Kent's landscape and wildlife habitatswill be protected, conserved andenhanced. Development will not bepermitted if it would lead to the loss offeatures or habitats which are oflandscape, historic, wildlife orgeological importance, or are of anunspoilt quality free from urbanintrusion unless there is a need fordevelopment which outweighs theseconsiderations.

Where a need for development in thecountryside is justified, importantfeatures and characteristics will beretained. Proposals should reflect theneed for conservation, reinforcement,restoration or creation of countryside

character and provide for theappropriate management of importantfeatures and the wider landscape.

Where formal assessments oflandscape character and qualityidentify landscapes of local significance,they should be designated in LocalDevelopment Documents.

Designated landscapes

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beautyand Heritage Coast

4.13 Kent has two Areas of Outstanding NaturalBeauty (AONBs), the Kent Downs and the HighWeald, and two stretches of Heritage Coastextending from Kingsdown to Dover and fromDover to Folkestone.These are nationally-important landscapes which have a similar statusto National Parks.The emphasis within them is


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to conserve their natural beauty while havingregard to the economic and social well-being ofthe areas within them. Development proposalsoutside the designated area of an AONB shouldbe considered for any effect they might have onthe natural beauty of the AONB.

4.14 Past policy has served these areas well, butthere is evidence that their natural beauty anddistinctiveness are threatened by a range ofactivities, many of which are not under planningcontrol.The Countryside and Rights of Way Act2000 requires the preparation and regularreview of AONB management plans.The localplanning authorities should have regard to theNorth Downs and High Weald ManagementPlans in preparing their Local DevelopmentDocuments. Measures and actions set out inthese plans, alongside policies in the StructurePlan and Local Plans/Local DevelopmentDocuments, will be designed to ensure thatKent’s AONBs are protected, conserved and enhanced.

Policy EN4: Areas ofOutstanding Natural Beautyand the Heritage Coast

Protection will be given to thenationally-important landscapes of:1 the Kent Downs and High Weald

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; and

1 Kent’s Heritage Coast between Kingsdown and Dover and between Dover and Folkestone.

The primary objective in these areaswill be to protect, conserve andenhance landscape character andnatural beauty.

Major commercial, mineral ortransport infrastructure developmentswill not be permitted unless it can bedemonstrated that:

(a) there is a proven national interest(b) there are no alternative sites

available or the need cannot be met in any other way; and

(c) appropriate provision can be made to minimise harm to the environment.

Other development which would bedetrimental to the natural beauty,quality and character of the landscapeand quiet enjoyment of the area willnot be permitted. Development that isessential to meet local social oreconomic needs should be permittedprovided that it is consistent with thepurpose of Areas of OutstandingNatural Beauty and Heritage Coast.

Special Landscape Areas

4.15 Certain areas within the county have beendesignated as Special Landscape Areas (SLAs)within previous Structure Plans because of theirstrategic landscape importance and scenicsignificance in a Kent-wide context.Theirdetailed boundaries have been defined in Local


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Policy EN5: SpecialLandscape Areas

Special Landscape Areas are defined asfollows and indicated on the Key Diagram.Detailed boundaries of the SLAs will bereviewed and defined in Local Plans/Local Development Documents:

1 North Downs1 Greensand Belt1 High Weald1 Eastern Low Weald1 Western Low Weald1 Old Romney Shoreline1 North Kent Marshes1 Sandwich Bay/Pegwell Bay1 Dungeness1 Blean Woods

The primary objective of designatingSpecial Landscape Areas is theprotection, conservation andenhancement of the quality of theirlandscapes, whilst having regard to theneed to facilitate the social andeconomic well-being of thecommunities situated within them.

Plans. Recent studies countywide have revealedthat landscape character in some of these areashas declined.

4.16 The designation of SLAs in this StructurePlan now excludes areas that fall within areasthat have been nationally designated as AONB. Insome instances this will require the review ofdetailed boundaries in Local Plans/LocalDevelopment Documents. SLAs should continueto provide a focus for the protection,conservation and restoration of landscape qualityand character while securing the social andeconomic well-being of the communities withinthem. In future the designation and review ofSLAs will form part of the process of preparingRegional and Sub-Regional Spatial Strategies.

4.17 Although the principal aim is to protect andenhance the landscape character and naturalbeauty of both AONBs and SLAs, the needs ofagriculture, forestry, the rural economy and localcommunities should be taken into account.Theseareas of natural landscape can play an importantpart in providing informal recreation, but onlywhere it does not impact upon their naturalbeauty. New development which is needed toimprove the social and economic life of localcommunities within AONBs and SLAs should belocated within, or immediately adjacent to,existing settlements. Diversification of the ruraleconomy is supported within these areas(Policies EP7 and EP8) but should be consistentwith AONB and SLA objectives.

Nature conservation

4.18 Kent contains a wide range of wildlifehabitats and their associated species.Theseinclude downland, woodland, meadows, rivers,coastal habitats and wetlands.These natureconservation resources continue to come underpressure. One example of this is that wild birdpopulations, a general indicator for biodiversity,are continuing to decline in Kent.This reflects anational trend caused by development pressuresand other activities such as more intensiveagriculture.These important resources need tobe protected and encouraged, both for theirown sake and for future generations.


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4.19 Nature conservation can improve ourquality of life. Green spaces supporting wildlifeinterest, for example, can be very important tolocal communities.Access to nature and wildlifeon an everyday basis can contribute greatly toour health and well-being.

4.20 Development and other activities can havedirect and indirect impacts on areas of natureconservation interest. Development sites canimpact on a natural resource a considerabledistance away, particularly if the effect relates toair quality or water resources.The impact of onedevelopment may be small, but the cumulativeeffect of several can be significant. Impacts can beavoided and gains achieved by conducting athorough ecological survey at an early stage, bycareful design and by guiding development awayfrom sensitive sites. Opportunities to deal withthe impacts of development on sensitive sitesthrough mitigation measures and/or seekingappropriate compensation should be taken.

4.21 This Plan provides protection for wildlife. Itseeks to identify opportunities for enhancementtaking account of the international, national orlocal importance of wildlife populations.Supplementary Planning Guidance onBiodiversity Conservation (SPG2) supportsPolicies EN6 to EN9 on protecting and

enhancing biodiversity. It elaborates the aims,objectives and targets of the UK and KentBiodiversity Action Plans and also sets out howthese can be delivered and made to workalongside development.

Internationally and nationallyimportant sites

4.22 Internationally and nationally designatedsites contain the best examples of our naturalheritage. Sites of international importance aredesignated under the terms of:

1 the Ramsar Convention - as wetlands of international importance (Ramsar sites)

1 the European Habitats Directive - as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)

1 the European Birds Directive - as Special Protection Areas (SPAs)

4.23 Natura 2000 is the network of Europeansites (SPAs and SACs). Development likely toaffect such sites is subject to thoroughassessment (Conservation [Natural Habitats etc]Regulations 1994).

4.24 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)have been designated for their nationally-important wildlife or geological features. Someare managed as National Nature Reserves(NNR).There is a duty on public bodies,including local authorities, to further theconservation and enhancement of the specialinterest of SSSIs. Development proposals mustdemonstrate that they will not adversely affectthese sites.


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Policy EN6: International andNational WildlifeDesignations

Development will not be permittedwhere it would directly, indirectly orcumulatively, materially harm thescientific or nature conservationinterests of any of the followingcategories of sites:

1 a European site1 a proposed European site1 a Ramsar site1 a Site of Special Scientific Interest1 a National Nature Reserve.

Other sites of strategic importance

4.25 The network of local sites is strategicallyimportant for delivering biodiversity targets asthey contain many important habitats such asancient woodlands and lowland grassland.

4.26 Local Nature Reserves are designated bystatute and are designed to increase the publicenjoyment and understanding of nature as wellas promoting nature conservation. CountyWildlife Sites (designated by the Kent WildlifeTrust) and Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Sites are of both strategicand local importance for wildlife and the earth’sheritage. Many contain nationally-importanthabitats and contribute to wildlife diversity.


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Policy EN7: County and LocalWildlife Designations

Development which would materiallyharm the scientific or natureconservation interests, either directly,indirectly or cumulatively, of:

1 Local Nature Reserves1 County Wildlife Sites identified in

Local Development Documents1 Regionally Important

Geological/Geomorphological Sites

will not be permitted unless there is aneed which outweighs the local natureconservation or geological/geomorphological interest and adverseimpacts can be adequately compensated.

Biodiversity

4.27 The Kent Biodiversity Action Plan underlinesthe commitment to safeguarding biologicaldiversity in Kent. It considers whole ecosystems,recognising that safeguarding and enhancingwildlife cannot be done just by conserving sites.It seeks to safeguard and improve priorityhabitats and species found in the widercountryside and identify areas of biodiversitypotential where net improvements can beachieved.

4.28 Habitats often occur as fragments withinthe landscape, providing wildlife corridors, links

or stepping stones from one habitat to another.Preventing further fragmentation by safeguardingexisting habitats and improving linkages betweenthem will help to maintain the current range anddiversity of our flora and fauna.The biologicalrole of land corridors is important in relation togreen space networks and rights of way assupported by Policy QL17.

4.29 Future development should seek tomaintain and enhance existing habitats andreverse fragmentation by identifying areas wherethe biodiversity potential is greatest. This shouldbe based on a clear understanding of thebiodiversity interest of the development site(and other areas affected) in the context of theecology of the area, as well as of national andcounty biodiversity priorities and targets.Restoration and enhancement efforts, andmitigation and compensation for adverse impacts,should be concentrated in areas where there isscope for significant nature conservation gain orwhere the most valuable and fragile habitats andspecies occur.The potential value to biodiversityof previously developed land and previouslyworked sites should be taken into account.

4.30 Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG2)on Biodiversity Conservation provides a list ofPriority and Broad UK Biodiversity Action PlanHabitats found in Kent, together with UKBAPSpecies found in Kent.This, in conjunction with thedesignations covered by Policy EN6 and Policy EN7,represent the network of important habitats inthe county that are the subject of Policy EN8.


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Policy EN8: Protection,Conservation andEnhancement of Biodiversity

Wildlife habitats and species will beprotected, conserved and enhanced,especially through long termmanagement and habitat creationschemes, particularly where they havebeen identified as national and countypriorities in the UK and KentBiodiversity Action Plan(s), or wherethey are protected under wildlifelegislation. This will be secured by:

(a) ensuring that site evaluation is undertaken to establish the nature conservation value of proposed development sites

(b) 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

(c) local planning authorities identifying locations and proposalsfor habitat and species management, restoration and creation.

Development likely to have an adverseeffect, directly, indirectly orcumulatively, on important habitats orspecies will not be permitted unless:1 there is an overriding need for the

development that outweighs adverse impact on nature conservation; and

1 adverse impact on an important nature conservation resource can be adequately mitigated and/or compensated.

Trees, woodland and hedgerows

4.31 Trees, woodland and hedgerows areimportant features in Kent’s landscape.Woodlandand hedgerows have many benefits.Theycontribute to landscape character, providewildlife habitats, contribute to biodiversity andhelp to maintain the balance of carbon dioxide inthe atmosphere and air quality.Woodland canalso have a commercial value.Within built-upareas and around the urban fringe, woodland canprovide further wildlife habitats and enhancedamaged landscapes.

4.32 It is strategic policy to increase tree coverin Kent, one of the least wooded counties in theSouth East. Hedgerows and woodland have beenlost mainly through agricultural intensificationand development.At the same time, though, Kenthas more identified ancient woodland than anyother county in the UK - around 10% of thenational total. This is a unique resource in termsof biodiversity, heritage and landscape character.

4.33 New development provides an opportunityfor planting trees, woodland and hedgerows.Such planting can improve the character ofsettlements and enhance the appearance of thenearby countryside. It can link remnants of


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ancient woodlands, enhance biodiversity andimprove access for recreation.The scope formajor new woodlands will be greatest adjoininglarger urban areas, particularly where significantnew development is planned, such as in KentThameside and Ashford, and in urban fringelocations where it could help to restoredamaged land.At other appropriate locations,such as Thanet or in the former East KentCoalfield area, smaller areas of woodlandplanting will be encouraged.

4.34 Tree planting is not appropriate where itwould cause damage to, or loss of, importantopen habitats, such as unimproved grassland orheathland. Tree planting is not the only way tocreate woodland, and greater gains are made forbiodiversity where new woodland is allowed todevelop through natural succession. Effortshould be directed towards areas, woodlandtypes or species which are the rarest or mostfragile and therefore provide the greatestpotential for biodiversity gain.

4.35 Kent and Medway Councils will continue toplant and manage trees and woodlands on theirown land and promote these activities to otherwoodland owners.A specific objective will be toincrease the cover of broad-leaved woodland,with local species where possible. Otherpriorities will include improving the managementof small woodlands, including the county’ssignificant resource of coppice, marketingwoodland products and fostering communityinterest in woodlands.

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Policy EN9: Trees, Woodlandand Hedgerows

Provision should be made for thecreation of new woodland, especiallyindigenous broad-leaved species, atappropriate locations in Kent, includingprovision of new habitats as part ofdevelopment proposals.

Tree cover and the hedgerow networkshould be maintained. Additionally,they should be enhanced where thiswould improve the landscape,biodiversity, or link existing woodlandhabitats. Ancient and semi-naturalwoodland will be protected and, wherepossible, enhanced.

Policy EN10: Potential forCommunity Forests andWoodlands

The potential for community forests orcommunity woodland sites will beinvestigated in North Kent and atAshford and other suitable locationsand where appropriate, defined andsafeguarded in Local DevelopmentDocuments.

Community forests andwoodlands

4.36 Creating ‘community forests’ around majorurban areas can give communities access togreen space and provide an important way ofmanaging and enhancing the urban fringe. Suchforests, especially when they consist of nativespecies, can enhance the landscape, createopportunities for recreation, bolster economicconfidence and encourage investment. Existingwildlife habitats and landscape character must beprotected.The Government’s SustainableCommunities Plan (2003) encourages theconsideration of community forests in theregional growth areas.Their potential in KentThames Gateway and Ashford should beconsidered and, if they are felt to be appropriate,proposals to create them should be included inLocal Development Documents.At otherappropriate locations, community woodlandplanting should be examined. The White HorseWood Community Forest near Maidstoneexemplifies the approach envisaged. New

woodland planting should not be undertaken onareas where wildlife value derives from otherland cover features such as marshland.

Urban fringe

4.37 The countryside around our towns canmake an important contribution to our quality oflife. It connects built-up areas with the wideropen countryside, allowing people access togreen space, woodland and recreationalactivities. In The Countryside In and Around Townsten key functions are identified for the urban-rural fringe which should be recognised throughgreater integration and interaction between theroles indicated.


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The urban–rural fringe:Ten key functions

A bridge to the country Networks of parks, woodlands and other green spaces are linked to urban areas and the wider countryside by footpaths, bridleways and cycleways.Parks and other green spaces are joined up to form green corridors between town and country.

A gateway to the town The quality of the countryside around towns is an indicator of the quality of a town or city – it creates a strong impression to visitors and prospective investors.

A health centre An accessible and attractive countryside and green space infrastructure close to where people live and work provides an invaluable recreational resource.

A classroom The countryside around towns provides learning opportunities in a variety of ‘outdoor classrooms’ to support the national curriculum,particularly in respect of environmental education and rural studies.

A recycling and renewable The countryside around towns plays an important part in the energy centre sustainable management of the waste, water and pollution

generated in urban areas.A productive landscape Farms close to urban areas can take advantage of their proximity to

urban markets, supplying high quality local produce through direct marketing as well as through other outlets.

A cultural legacy The countryside around towns contains many imprints of the history of communities and their change and development.

A place for sustainable living Where careful decisions have been taken to accommodate the need for new development after examining other options including increasing housing densities in existing urban areas and expanding other towns and villages.

An engine for regeneration Strategies for regeneration use the countryside on the urban edge to help communities develop their own confidence, skills and prospects.

A nature reserve The countryside around towns contains historic and newly-established woodlands, wetlands and meadows and a range of other natural habitats.

Source:The Countryside In and Around Towns: A Vision for Connecting Town and Country in the Pursuit of Sustainable

Development. Groundwork and Countryside Agency 2005.

4.38 The urban fringe is subject to a wide rangeof pressures, particularly from new developmentand other activities, and it often containsdamaged land. In some places it suffers frompoor maintenance, neglect and vandalism, butthere are opportunities to improve itsappearance and wildlife value, as well as itsaccessibility, by careful management and planning.Enhancing the urban fringe is particularlyimportant in areas such as Kent Thameside and

Ashford and other places where significantchanges to the form and structure of the urban areas are proposed. Policy EN11, inconjunction with QL17 and QL18, provide formultifunctional planning and management ofurban fringe areas.


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Policy EN11: Planning andManaging the Urban Fringe

Local planning authorities will worktogether and with others to draw up andimplement strategies for ensuringeffective environmental managementand high quality design for urban fringeareas, particularly in Dartford/Gravesham (Kent Thameside), atAshford and where other large-scalenew developments are proposed.

Local Development Documents will providepolicies for such areas that ensure:

1 the maintenance or enhancement of landscape and urban character;

1 the creation of new habitats;1 the safeguarding of land for public

access and the provision of recreational networks, including linkage with existing communities/built-up areas;

1 where appropriate, the enhancement of damaged,despoiled or degraded land.

Where directly related, contributionsfrom developments to theimplementation of such programmesmay be required.

River corridors

4.39 Kent contains the main river valleys of theDarent, Medway, and Stour, and is bordered tothe north by the River Thames and its estuary.Rivers and their adjoining areas are of greatimportance for water resource and flood riskmanagement, nature conservation, fisheries,recreation and tourism.They often make asignificant contribution to the character of thelandscape and they provide pleasant greencorridors in many of Kent’s towns.They canprovide safe and convenient walking and cycling.Both new development and redevelopmentshould minimise flood risk and enhance riversand the riverside environment.This could be byincreasing public access, improving water-relatedhabitats, landscape or water quality or bysecuring the restoration of natural river features.

Policy EN12: River Corridors

The environment within river corridorsand river catchments, including thelandscape, water environment andwildlife habitats, will be conserved andenhanced. Where consistent with this,provision will be made for:

1 increased opportunities for access and water recreation;

1 increased public access for walking,cycling and horse riding and links to existing rights of way and cycleway networks.


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Supply of water, treatment and disposalof waste water and flood riskmanagement should be sustainable anddeliver environmental benefits.

Policy EN13: EnvironmentalEnhancement of PrimaryRoutes

Enhancement of landscape quality and character and of wildlife habitatsalong primary road and rail routes,including important tourist routes,will be promoted.

Policy EN14: Rural Lanes

Rural lanes which are of landscape,amenity, nature conservation, historicor archaeological importance will beprotected from changes andmanagement practices which woulddamage their character, and wherepossible will be enhanced.

Environmental enhancement ofprimary routes

4.40 Kent’s primary road and rail routes areused by large numbers of people from withinand outside the county and include sections thatcarry significant amounts of tourist traffic.Thecharacter and quality of the landscape alongthese routes is important because it influencesthe perceptions of visitors and potentialinvestors and can help to mitigate the impact of the routes themselves and the traffic whichuses them.

4.41 Considerable advances have been made inthe quality of landscaping on such routesthrough local authorities working in partnershipwith other bodies such as the Highways Agencyand Network Rail.The construction of theChannel Tunnel Rail Link through Kentdemonstrated the benefits that can be achievedfrom a concerted programme of environmentaltreatment and enhancement. Policy EN13promotes the enhancement of environmentalquality along the county’s motorway and primaryroad and passenger rail networks as identified onthe Key Diagram.

Rural lanes

4.42 Kent possessesa rich heritage ofancient lanes thatdates back tomedieval, Saxon andeven prehistorictimes.As well ashaving historic value,they contribute tonature conservationand add to the distinctive character of thecountryside. Some are coming under pressureand need to be protected and enhanced. Localauthorities should identify such lanes in LocalDevelopment Documents, supported, asappropriate, by surveys and by environmentaland archaeological advice.

4.43 Measures to safeguard Kent’s rural lanesshould include restraining traffic, imposing speedrestrictions, limiting road upgrading, planting andmaking Tree Preservation Orders. Other optionsinclude traffic orders and voluntary routingagreements with adjoining landowners and keyindustrial, commercial or agricultural users.TheGreensand Ridge Quiet Lanes scheme is one oftwo national demonstration projects which aimto make lanes more attractive for cyclists, horseriders and walkers while maintaining essentialaccess for local residents, essential services andbusinesses. Other rural transport initiatives andpolicies can be found in the Transport Chapterof this Structure Plan and in the Local TransportPlan for Kent (2006-11).

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