5. COUNTRYSIDE

Countryside covers most of the District and is a valuable natural resource of outstanding quality, internationally recognised and protected by many designations. These include an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Heritage Coasts, Special Areas of Conservation, a Special Protection Area and Ramsar site, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserves and a Local Nature Reserve. In the countryside, farming is the dominant activity, with much of the agricultural land among the best and most versatile. Economically, agriculture and rural tourism make a small but important contribution to the number and range of jobs available in the District.

The southern two thirds of the District are part of the North Downs 'natural area' (see Figure 5.1) - a landscape of rolling chalk hills, escarpments and, in the main, dry valleys. The 'White Cliffs of Dover' - international landmark and gateway to the continent - are in the south east corner of the District, where the downland meets the coast. The District contains some 626 Ha (1,547 acres) of unimproved chalk downland, a rich ecological resource supporting a number of rare species.

In the north, the downland gives way to the flat open landscape of the northern levels, the Lower Stour Valley and Sandwich/Pegwell Bay. The landscape of this part of the North Kent Plain 'natural area' (see Figure 5.1) is largely due to the Isle of Thanet becoming part of the mainland through falling sea levels, river silting and the draining of marshland for cultivation. This area has great nature conservation interest, which includes the last valley fen in South East England, some 280 km. (174 miles) of dykes and drainage ditches, an intertidal habitat of international importance, and dune and coastal grassland.

Despite the recognition and protection given to them, landscapes and wildlife habitats are under threat from development and changes in agricultural practice. The Council has been faced with some very difficult choices, particularly in relation to allocating sites for employment and the proposed expansion of Aylesham. In addition, there is private sector pressure for development in the rural area, particularly for dwellings, despite strong countryside protection policies. Finally, current changes in European agricultural policy, particularly set-aside and a decline in farm incomes, have led to a growing interest in farm diversification schemes. Such schemes may not always be compatible with other countryside interests.

The Plan's strategy is to concentrate and to direct development to the urban areas and through the policies of this chapter to give priority to the protection of the District's scenic and wildlife resources. Development in the countryside away from existing settlements or areas allocated for development in the Plan is to be strictly controlled.

The countryside is an irreplaceable and non-renewable resource in that, by and large, its loss to development is permanent. In line with Aim 1 and Objectives 1 and 2, this resource needs to be conserved, its quality protected and development only allowed where it would benefit economic activity and maintain or enhance the natural environment. Economic and accessibility issues (Aims 2 and 3) are considered in Chapters 3 and 12, respectively.

Designated Landscape

In designated areas, evidence of overriding need is also required. Overriding need will depend upon the status of the designation and the nature of the development. In situations where more than one designation applies, the proposals will be required to comply with the most stringent definition of need.

Undeveloped Coast

PPG20 states that development should not be allowed on the coast if a coastal location is not required, or in areas of eroding cliffs or land instability which would require coastal protection works (see also Chapter 6). It also requires the off-shore impact of on-shore development to be taken into account when determining proposals for development on the coast. Structure Plan Policy ENV10 seeks to conserve and enhance the scenic, heritage and scientific value of all undeveloped coast in the County. Development along the undeveloped coast and in adjoining countryside will only be permitted if no suitable alternative site exists on the developed coast and if it does not affect the interests identified in Policy ENV10. However, the siting of development on the undeveloped coast will always be preferred to a location on a Heritage Coast.

The Plan does not define the inland boundary of the undeveloped coast as the extent to which Policy CO5 will apply depends on the nature of the development, and the character and interest of the area. In addition, the undeveloped coast has been defined to exclude areas designated Heritage Coast.

The District includes the South Foreland Heritage Coast and the Dover-Folkestone Heritage Coast. These are the only stretches of Heritage Coast in Kent. The Dover-Folkestone Heritage Coast includes a large area reclaimed from the sea at the foot of Shakespeare Cliff. This area, named Samphire Hoe, was created by depositing spoil from the Channel Tunnel.

The objectives of Heritage Coast designation are outlined in PPG20. Of equal importance are preserving the coast's heritage and scenic beauty, as well as protecting its nature conservation value. The Council and the Countryside Agency have agreed both inland boundaries and these are shown on the Proposals Map.

Structure Plan Policy ENV9 gives general protection to heritage coasts from intrusive development. This is developed in Policy CO5 below, which recognises that the two Heritage Coasts also fall within the AONB and a SLA. The District Council continues its commitment to conserving, enhancing and managing the landscape, wildlife and recreational value of the Heritage Coasts and to limiting development which is inconsistent with these objectives. The Council supports a coordinated approach to the protection, conservation and enhancement of the Heritage Coasts and the preparation of a management plan.

Environmental Appraisal

The policy works toward the Objectives of protecting the countryside, managing and enhancing habitats, species and landscapes. No Objectives are adversely affected.

General Principles of Protection

International conventions and national legislation afford special protection to many species and their habitats. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it a criminal offence to remove or harm them. Protected species found within the District include the little tern, the grey plover, all bats, the adder, the adonis blue and silver spotted skipper butterflies, and several orchids.

A Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for Kent has been produced in line with the UK BAP. Its purpose is to identify important wildlife habitats and species and set targets for habitat conservation and enhancement in the long term.

Source: Kent Wildlife Habitat Survey - Dover District Report (Volume 1)
Small errors may exist due to rounding
'Other' includes swamp and inundation, standing water, coastal habitats above the high water mark and bare ground

The 1991 Kent Wildlife Habitat Survey indicates that whilst the District's habitat resource is below the county average, it is still custodian of a major habitat resource, with semi-natural habitat covering about 20% of the District's area. However, the Survey notes that this resource is under threat.

English Nature and PPG9 advise that, while protection of individual sites is important and should continue, there is also a need to protect all wildlife habitats. Structure Plan Policy ENV2 confirms the requirement to provide general protection and does not distinguish between designated sites and the natural resource at large. Policy CO6 reflects this approach to nature conservation in the District.

Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI)

PPG9 encourages local planning authorities to identify nature conservation interests of local importance and to include such areas in local plans. The Kent Wildlife Trust (KWT) has identified 41 SNCIs in the District. These sites, which are shown on the Proposals Map, are protected by Structure Plan Policy ENV6. This list is not necessarily exhaustive as reviews undertaken by KWT may reveal more sites suitable for SNCI designation. Policy CO6 will apply to SNCIs shown on the Proposals Map as well as to those which become designated during the life of the Plan.

National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are areas of national conservation importance, which attract financial support from English Nature. To be declared a NNR the area must be a designated SSSI. There are two NNRs in the District:-

1. Sandwich Bay and Pegwell Bay NNR; and
2. Lydden and Temple Ewell Downs NNR.

Policy CO6 gives protection to NNRs in the District.

English Nature encourages the designation of Local Nature Reserves (LNRs). Declaring LNRs helps provide a firm basis for managing and enhancing the nature conservation value of particular sites. Structure Plan Policy ENV6 protects LNRs and Policy CO6 gives local protection to LNRs in the District. The District contains one Local Nature Reserve, the Western Heights SNCI.

Shepway District Council has designated a LNR and established a Country Park on that part of the Folkestone Warren SSSI within its area. Part of the Warren lies within Dover District and the Council will explore the possibility of establishing a complementary LNR and Country Park with landowners. Should other areas prove suitable, the Council may consider further designations. The declaration of a LNR can take a long time and, therefore, Policy CO6 will apply to LNRs not shown on the Proposals Map but which may be proposed or become designated during the Plan Period.

English Nature notifies the District Council of these sites. Designation is a means of protecting flora, fauna and geological features of particular importance. Structure Plan Policy ENV5 implements this intention.

In the District, the main concerns are the protection of particular habitats (including ancient woodland, chalk grassland and marshes), species and the geological features of the coastline. The location and extent of SSSIs is reviewed periodically and six sites in the District have been notified:-

1. part of Sandwich Bay and Hacklinge Marshes;
2. part of Preston Marshes;
3. Dover to Kingsdown Cliffs;
4. part of Alkham, Lydden and Swingfield Woods;
5. part of Folkestone Warren; and
6. Lydden and Temple Ewell Downs.

These sites are shown on the Proposals Map and given local protection through Policy CO6. In addition, Policy CO6 will apply to SSSIs not shown on the Proposals Map but which may be proposed or become designated during the Plan Period.

The Pegwell Bay/Sandwich Bay area is of international significance for wetland and migratory birds and other species. The intertidal zone and the areas of grazing marsh, part of which lies in Thanet District, have been classified a SPA under the European Union Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC) and listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention (Command 6465). The boundaries of each designation are shown on the Proposals Map.

The European Union Habitats Directive requires the Government to identify and conserve plant and animal habitats of international importance. Following consultation with English Nature and government departments, the former Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions drew together a list of candidate SACs for forwarding to the European Commission. In the District, this includes two areas, both of which contain priority habitats or species:-

1. part of Sandwich Bay and Hacklinge Marshes SSSI; and
2. Lydden and Temple Ewell Downs SSSI.

The Government and European Commission is required to agree the areas to be designated as SACs by June 1998. Accelerated arrangements apply to SACs hosting priority habitats or species and it is likely that out of those areas included on the list these will be agreed first. For the purposes of considering development proposals affecting them, PPG9 requires candidate SACs to be treated in the same way as designated SACs. These sites and named species are protected by the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994. Together, the SPA and SACs will form a network of internationally important wildlife sites within the European Union. This network will be known as Natura 2000.

Although planted rather than naturally occurring, broadleaved plantation woodland and remnants of traditional orchards have considerable landscape and nature conservation value, and are found throughout the District. As they are generally planted for their productive value, specific protection is not considered appropriate though Policies CO1 and CO6 will apply. Grants are available through the Forestry Authority's Woodland Grant Scheme and DEFRA's Farm Woodland Premium Scheme. The Council will support proposals for plantation woodland and encourage native species to be used provided there is no conflict with existing wildlife interests or landscape character. The Council will also offer advice in obtaining grants.

Structure Plan Policy ENV8 commits the County Council to investigate the potential for woodland planting in the East Kent Coalfield. The Council supports the afforestation of the three spoil tips and is particularly keen to explore, with landowners and other interested parties, a Community Woodland at Betteshanger to serve Deal. In addition to schemes described in paragraph 5.45, funds are available from the Forestry Authority for Community Woodlands and funding is available from English Partnership. However, the Council is aware of technical difficulties associated with greening such sites, not least heat and the acidity of shales (see also Chapters 3, 7 and 15). The first step is to assess the viability for such schemes.

In addition to their landscape significance, hedgerows act as habitats and corridors for wildlife. Although the District has an extensive network of hedgerows, many are fragmented and, in these cases, their ecological role may be diminished. Hedgerow loss has occurred mainly through agricultural intensification.

Structure Plan Policy ENV7 makes it a strategic objective to maintain and enhance the County's hedgerow network. The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 are intended to protect hedgerows which are considered to be 'irreplaceable'. Policy CO8 seeks to protect the remaining 'replaceable' network. When development would threaten a hedgerow, the developer will be required to demonstrate that no practicable alternative solution exists, for example, through the resiting of an access road or building. In cases where damage is unavoidable, remedial measures will be required.

Environmental Appraisal

The policy works towards the Objectives of protecting the countryside, managing and enhancing habitats, species and landscapes and reducing pollution. No Objectives are adversely affected.

Funds are available through DEFRA's Field Boundaries Option of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme to restore existing and establish new hedgerows. The Council will support proposals to enhance the District's hedgerow network and will offer advice in obtaining grants.

Relationship to Landscape and Nature Conservation

Traditionally, priority has been given to conserving agricultural land for its productive value. However, changes in farming policy and techniques have led to a surplus of some agricultural produce and this has led to some agricultural land being temporarily taken out of production. The agricultural industry is, therefore, undergoing a period of great change which is likely to extend some way into the future. While reaffirming the need to give long term protection to agricultural land, particularly the best and most versatile, PPG7 has now shifted the balance in favour of safeguarding the countryside for its own sake and encouraging diversification of economic activity in the rural area so as to provide wide and varied employment opportunities. The priority to protect the countryside for its own sake and support the agricultural and horticultural industries through diversification is reflected in Structure Plan Policies ENV1 and ED5.

An Integrated Stewardship Strategy

Government Guidance, including PPG7, supports the enhancement of the countryside. Structure Plan Policy ENV2 encourages District Councils to include enhancement and management policies in local plans. A comprehensive and integrated approach to managing the countryside is being developed in the District, using the two distinct natural areas of the North Downs and North Kent Plain as its basis.

The importance of the North Downs is signified by the number of protective countryside designations it has. In particular, some of the chalk grassland in the District has been recognised as internationally important for its wildlife habitat value and is designated a SAC (See paragraph 5.38). However, threats exist which planning policies cannot directly influence. For example, unimproved chalk grassland is being lost through a decline in traditional grazing methods.

The Council is a core funder of the White Cliffs Countryside Project (WCCP), which helps manage the majority of unimproved chalk grassland in the District. The Council strongly supports the work of the WCCP and would welcome further inter-agency management initiatives involving farmers and other landowners. In particular, major changes in the agricultural sector provide an opportunity to, for example, use 'set-aside' land for nature conservation and introduce organic farming methods.

Funds for this type of conservation work are available from a variety of sources. The Council will continue to provide financial and technical support to the White Cliffs Countryside Project and will support initiatives which encourage the adoption of more sustainable management practices on the North Downs.

The northern part of the District has a distinctive landscape, contains some of the most productive soils and is of significant ecological value. Protective designations apply but the planning system has little control over threats to marshy pasture, fenland, the River Stour, associated drainage dykes and the estuary from pollution, habitat destruction and interference.

Structure Plan Policy ENV11 seeks the conservation and enhancement of river corridors, while taking into account recreation and access issues. The Council considers that a management plan for the Lower Stour Valley and its surrounding marshy SNCI is essential. This might occur through the extension of the Kentish Stour Management Plan, which currently covers the river from its source to the west of Canterbury, and through a proposed Estuary Management Plan (see Chapter 6). Neighbouring Thanet District Council supports such partnership initiatives. In July 1997, the Council became a core funder of the Kentish Stour Countryside Project (KSCP).

The outstanding quality of the District's countryside is a valuable asset, both for its own sake and in helping to boost the local economy. In promoting the countryside for tourism, emphasis will continue to be placed on the quality of management schemes and accompanying promotional material. However, the Council is concerned that promotion is handled sensitively in order to strike a balance between countryside protection and visitor generation. If not, damage could be done to the very qualities which the Council is seeking to protect.

Promotion includes the provision of interpretive facilities, development and management of paths, schools' liaison and the publication of educational material, establishing a volunteer workforce and developing international links. It is essential that all initiatives are co-ordinated and compatible. To be successful, these bodies must work closely with landowners and farmers to, for example, encourage farm based tourism initiatives. The Council will seek to ensure that countryside management and promotional initiatives will enhance and sustain the special qualities of the natural environment.