Present: P Onley (Chairman), T Morris, D Meades, D Risby, M Still, R Bayne (NW Kent Countryside Project Leader), PKessel, I Hammerton.

Apologies: P Fry, J Bowman, D Hawkes, K Harmer

A list of members of the Biodiversity Group was circulated for additions and amendments.

The Chairman noted that there was no printed agenda; minutes of the last meetings had already been circulated - agreed without comment.

PK had received two copies of the Borough's Habitat map - one was placed on the table for a brief scrutiny by members and will be held as a basic standard; the second is available for members to study and inputs are requested. PK had had contact with Gary Kennyson (Countryside Officer) and Peter Massini (Biodiversity Officer), both at KCC. He also distributed copies of part of the report of the Kent Wildlife Habitat Survey of 1994 which is to be revised. TM mentioned Bexley Bird Preview Plan.

Query: Could size of map be reduced - copy for all members. Decided not yet - more information needed. Suggested that overlays be produced showing vital information e.g. proposed building developments - OK singly but too complex if too may overlaid at once. Numbers of SSSI's and SNCI's queried on Kent WHS. IH voiced concern over development in Ancient Woodland e.g. Chalk Wood (Stonehill Caravan Park).

Policy Planning Officer to be asked to attend next meeting to give up-to-date information. PK suggested Julian Underhill or Paul Foster be asked to speak on broad issues. We have need to know exact locations of special, rate, etc. species, especially roadside areas. We need to know local plans for development. We query water resources for same. It is necessary to involve people in those aspects affecting and of interest to them. Suggested that local people be advised of location of Red data, etc. items near them.

Query: What other information is available to us on GIS?

Query: Effects of mobile phone transmitting towers - siting, planning. Street furniture aerials.

Query: Note needed of land given over to horses, including destruction of ground cover.

Query: Light pollution, especially over Christmas period. Various examples given.

Meeting dates for next few months: 6 March, 17 April, 22 May and 22 July 2000. P O to prepare agenda.

AOB: Every resident is being asked to complete Consultation Performance Plan document: essential Biodiversity Members do so.

Local Agenda 21 strategy to be issued by end of March : very important to give comments.

N W Kent Countryside Project names of staff to be amended; copy of list to be circulated.

Members asked to study page 26 recommendations of Kent Wildlife Habitat report.

M Still queried setting up possible database - already held and administered by Dr Wiltshire.

The meeting closed at 20.35.

FOOTNOTE

The presentation on biodiversity/nature conservation and the Local Plan Review will be held at the Staff Room, Civic Centre at 7.00pm on 6 March. The presentation will be restricted to biodiversity and nature conservation. Invitations will be sent to other QED members. PK has not been able to get hold of any Local Plan maps - sorry!

Date of Next Meeting: 6 March 2000, 7.00pm at Civic Centre.

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