Present: Peter Onley, David Meade, Ian Hammerton, Richard Stone, John Bowman, Peter Fry, Doug Hawkes, Tony Morris, Simon Geikie, Malcolm Still, Phil Kessel.

It was agreed that Peter Onley would chair the Group for the next year, that Ian Hammerton would be Vice Chair and also take notes of the meetings.

PO expressed his desire that the Group focussed its attention on specific topics and the terms of reference would be changed to include the following:

"To offer advice to relevant agencies for the development and maintenance of policies for the protection of the biodiversity within the borough of Dartford."

Much debate re the work of the group but it was agreed to initially concentrate on defining areas within the Borough of importance. SG suggested obtaining a map (KCC Phase 1 Habitat Survey) and marking areas of importance on it. PK to contact KCC with a view to obtaining this for the next meeting.

The Group supported the proposal to request a presentation from DBC's Planning Policy Section on the Local Plan Review when placed on deposit.

SG outlined a proposal to compile a Heritage Bid to sponsor a programme to protect and enhance heathland heather in the general area. Although this would also involve areas outside of DBC's administrative area, it was felt to be an appropriate project that could be supported by the Group. SG to submit a proposal and request to QED for part funding (up to £500) to compile the Heritage bid. PK advised that approval could only be granted by the QED Steering Group. In connection with this, it was felt appropriate to invite Richard Pulman, Heath Warden, to the next meeting.

The Group felt it would be appropriate at some time in the future to invite a representative from the Environment Agency to advise the Group on the Agency's work on Local Environment Agency Plans (LEAPs).

Date of Next Meeting: 24 January 2000, 7.00pm at Civic Centre.

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