Archived decisions

                      ITEM 1

AT A MEETING of the LYMINGTON COASTAL AREA ADVISORY PANEL held at Lymington Town Hall, Avenue Road, Lymington on 30 October 2001.

PRESENT:

Councillor A W Rice TD (Chairman) Hampshire County Council

Mr R Beck Norleywood and District Society

Councillor Mrs P G Banks Hampshire County Council

Mr C J Clark Lymington & District Sea Fishing Club

Mr J Clarke Solent Gull Collectors

Mr R A Chapman Hampshire Wildlife Trust

Councillor J E Coles Hampshire County Council

Councillor D J Culver-Williams Lymington & Pennington Town Council

Captain M H Everett (RN, Rtd) Resident

Mr M P Moody Observer, Hampshire Ornithological Society

Mr P R Gossling Keyhaven Fisherman's Association

Mr R J Jenvey Lymington Commercial Fisherman

Mr T W Kermode Environment Agency

Councillor M H G Fidler New Forest District Council

Mr R F Russell Keyhaven Fishermen's Association

Mr R W H Saunders Hampshire Ornithological Society

Mr A E Shilton Ramblers Association

Professor A D G Smart, CBE Solent Protection Society

Mrs F M Wiseman Lymington Naturalists

Mr E Wiseman Resident

Mr M T Witt Keyhaven Fisherman's Association

Major General J C Woollett CBE MC Royal Lymington Yacht Club

1 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 8 May 2001 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman, subject to the addition of the words "be required to" on the bottom line page 15 to read:-

"Clear lines of responsibility for management of the site would be required to define who was...."

2 CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Chairman reported that Mr Eddie Wiseman had retired and thanked him for many years service as a Senior Countryside Ranger. He also welcomed Councillor J Coles, Mr P Gossling and Mr Russell to the meeting.

3 LYMINGTON AND KEYHAVEN COASTAL MANAGEMENT REPORT - MAY TO SEPTEMBER 2001

The Advisory Panel considered the report of the Director of Arts, Countryside and Community (Item 2 in the Minute Book) highlighting work carried out between May to September 2001.

It was reported that the new Countryside Ranger, Mr Pete Durnell, had been appointed and would take up his post on 2 January 2002.

The Fishtail and Butts Lagoons had dried out for much of the summer as a result of problems within the adjacent Manor Farm/Efford sites. Concern was expressed at the ecological effects and the unsatisfactory lack of communication which would have otherwise enabled mitigation measures to have been instituted at an early stage.

    · A meeting was to be held at Lyndhurst to resolve the following issues:-

    · To establish the cause of the marsh drying out.

    · The effects on the ecological value of the marshes.

    · What measures could be taken to prevent the marshes drying up with the resultant adverse effects on migrating birds and to saline lagoon species.

    · How to improve communication to prevent further occurrences of this type.

    The following indicated their wish to take part:

    Professors G Smart
    Mrs F M Wiseman
    Mr E Wiseman
    Councillor Mrs P G Banks
    Mr R W H Saunders
    Councillor J Coles

    The Secretary would organise the meeting and notify all members who would be welcome to attend.

    Mr Gwynn reported that it would be necessary to continue close monitoring of the effected areas of the marsh for between two to six summers. Local residents pointed out that in their experience the marshes had regularly dried out since the 1950's when many of the present lagoons did not exist.

    RESOLVED

    That the report be noted and concern expressed that part of the lagoon had dried out and that conditions conducive to migrating birds and saline lagoon species be restored and monitored.

4 LYMINGTON - KEYHAVEN NATURE RESERVE SALINE LAGOONS PROJECT- PROGRESS REPORT

The Advisory Panel considered the report of the Director of Arts, Countryside and Community (Item 3 in the Minute Book) summarising recent progress in the EU LIFE programme for the conservation of internationally important saline lagoon habitats.

The County Council had secured grant aid of £141,000 towards conservation and management under the EU LIFE programme. The grant would be paid in three instalments. The first two years of the programme would comprise data gathering and analysis. The primary task would be to restore salinity for the benefit of invertebrates but that the previous winter's flooding might hamper the work.

RESOLVED

That progress on the Saline Lagoons Project at Lymington Keyhaven Nature Reserve be noted.

5 EFFORD (PENNINGTON) GRAVEL PIT AND LANDFILL SITE

The Advisory Panel considered the report of the County Planning Officer setting out the latest position at the Efford (Pennington) Gravel Pit and Landfill site (Item 4 in the Minute Book).

Gravel extraction within Phases 4A and 4B had been completed and Phase 4C was almost complete. Extraction from Phase 4D would not commence until an impermeable barrier had been installed around the cell. Attention was again drawn to concerns that Phase 4D would be filled with domestic waste material which would not be inert.

The West Solent Oysterman's Action Group's concerns regarding the effects of landfill adjoining the Ancient Highway were outlined and possible water contamination noted. The County Council had submitted a Pollution Management Scheme to the planning authorities/Environment Agency. The Works were expected to commence in Spring 2002.

RESOLVED

That the report be noted, subject to dealing with the water which had backed up and entered Phase 4C.

6 SALTERNS COTTAGE, MAIDEN LANE, LYMINGTON - PROGRESS

The Advisory Panel considered the report of the Director of Arts, Countryside and Community (Item 5 in the Minute Book) outlining progress relating to the demolition and rebuilding of Salterns Cottage, Maiden Lane, Lymington.

Following comments on architect's plans at previous meetings, amendments had been made and incorporated into the planning application for the rebuilding of Salterns Cottage.

Planning Permission had been granted and every effort would be made to expedite the work. Captain Everett was thanked for his patience and co-operation. Confirmation was sought that progress would be maintained and information was sought regarding who in the County Council would have overall responsibility for the project.

RESOLVED

That progress towards the completion of the demolition and rebuild of Salterns Cottage be welcomed.

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