Archived decisions
ITEM 2
AT A MEETING OF THE LYMINGTON COASTAL AREA ADVISORY PANEL held at Lymington Town Hall, Avenue Road, Lymington on 17 April 2002
PRESENT:
Councillor A W Rice TD (Chairman) Hampshire County Council
Councillor Mrs P G Banks Hampshire County Council
Mr J Clarke Solent Egg Collectors
Mr E W Collins Lymington Society
Councillor J E Coles Hampshire County Council
Mrs R Cook Hampshire Field Club
Councillor D J Culver-Williams Lymington and Pennington Town
Council
Captain M H Everett (RN Rtd) Local Resident
Councillor M H G Fidler New Forest District Council
Mr. D. Garratt Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife
Trust
Mr P D Goodall Lymington Rowing Club
Mrs L Keating Ramblers Association (New Forest)
Mr T Kermode Environment Agency
Councillor J K Nesbitt Lymington and Pennington Town Council
Mr I G Pearson English Nature
Mr R W H Saunders Hampshire Ornithological Society &
CPRE
Professor A.D.G Smart CBE Solent Protection Society
Mr. D.A. Smith Lymington and District Sea Fishing Club
Mr. E. Wiseman Local Resident
Mrs F M Wiseman Lymington Naturalists
Major General J C Woollett, CBE, MC Royal Lymington Yacht Club
7 CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS
The Chairman introduced Mr P Durnell, who had joined the Western Area Team as Senior Countryside Ranger on 4 March 2002.
8 MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on 30 October 2001 were agreed as a correct and signed by the Chairman after the addition of:-
Minute 6 Salterns Cottage, Maiden Lane, Lymington - Progress
Line 5 - after operation "He commented on the alleged lack of project management and felt unable to ascertain clear lines of supervision and responsibility within the County Council".
9 LYMINGTON AND KEYHAVEN COASTAL MANAGEMENT REPORT OCTOBER 2001 AND MARCH 2002
The Advisory Panel considered the report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage (Item 2 in the Minute Book) concerning management and staffing issues on key habitats; survey and monitoring work.
The Western Sites Manager reported that excessive winter rainfall had resulted in high water levels, although extensive flooding had been limited by the sea wall sluices.
Clear lines of communication had been established which should prevent a reoccurrence of problems with the adjacent Manor Farm/Efford Sites leading to areas of the marshes drying out.
Professor Smart expressed concerns that no Water Management Plan had been introduced to date. His attention had been drawn by ecologists and ornithologists to a general perception that problems existed on the marshes. He advised that a Water Management Plan should contain the following criteria:-
· Objectivity; depth of water; salinity; freedom from pollution
· Quantity of water available
· Need for balancing ponds
· Anti-pollution measures - on and off site.
There should be close liaison between the County Council's recreation, conservation and environmental sections. Without these measures it was unlikely that the marshes would be awarded National Nature Reserve status. He felt that the ecological aspects of the marsh were deteriorating and requested a presentation to the next meeting on a Coastal Water Management Plan
The Western Sites Manager reported that arrangements were in hand for a Water Management Plan for the marshes but that progress had been delayed by the consultation process.
The County Planning Officer reported that delay had occurred in getting a workable and sustainable scheme, as this required liaison with the Environment Agency. A recharge trench and a balancing pond had been constructed. A Pollution Management Scheme was being devised and would require a period of consultation. It was agreed that there was a problem of differing aims which would need to be overcome (increased salinity and ingress of fresh water onto the marshes).
Questions were raised about an Application required for gravel extraction in the area. Measures to de-water the gravel before extraction, would increase the water onto the marshes. The New Milton Sand and Ballast Company had submitted an Application to extend their activities eastward. An Environmental Impact Assessment had been undertaken and consultations with the Environment Agency were in hand.
Members were advised that weekly (salinity) monitoring was carried out and some were using continuous "data loggers". A grazier's trailer reported on the marshes over a long period was to be investigated and removed. Removal of scrub on the islands was now required. Concern was expressed that Mink were increasing in numbers. This was to be monitored and action taken. Members were requested to inform the Western Sites Manager if Mink were seen on the Reserve.
The Marshes Annual Report was to resume publication now that the Senior Countryside Ranger was in post.
Requests for seating to be provided on the Reserve had been increasing and Member's views were sought on whether a suitable policy might be introduced. Officers were requested to look for suitable sites and report back before any change in policy was made.
The possibility of installing dog waste bins was to be introduced at strategic points on the Reserve was discussed together with efforts to get dog owners to act responsibly and present further fouling.
There was a need to review signs and notices of various types as many of these bore information which was no longer suitable for the purpose.
Attention was drawn to the condition of sections of sea wall between Keyhaven, The Butts and at Moses Dock. The Environment Agency undertook to investigate. Negotiations were continuing between the County Council and Salterns Sailing Club to renew the lease at Eight Acre Pond.
The Countryside Officer (West) undertook to investigate the extent of land exchange at Salterns.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
10 LYMINGTON AND KEYHAVEN NATURE RESERVE: SALINE LAGOONS PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT
The Advisory Panel considered the report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage (Item 3 in the Minute Book) summarising recent progress in the EU LIFE programme for the conservation of internationally important Saline Lagoon habitats.
Hydrological and biological studies undertaken during 2000 and 2001 had provided detailed information regarding flora and fauna salinity levels, ground water and flows through the outfall sluices in the sea wall.
Members were to be invited to visit the site during June as it would be essential that they fully understood and supported the issues when their approval was sought for practical work, which would improve the lagoons to cater for specialist lagoon invertebrates and other fauna.
The Western Sites Manager and Secretary were to arrange dates for the visit.
RESOLVED:
That the progress report on the Saline Lagoons Project at Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve be approved.
11 NOTES OF A JOINT MEETING OF THE MANOR FARM PENNINGTON LIAISON PANEL AND THE LYMINGTON COASTAL AREA ADVISORY PANEL
The Advisory Panel received and accepted the Notes of the joint meeting of the Manor Farm, Pennington Liaison Panel and the Lymington Coastal Area Advisory Panel (Item 4 in the Minute Book).
Councillor Mrs Banks requested that attendees to the Joint Meeting on 18 March 2002 be invited to the Liaison Panel's next meeting. Appreciation was expressed for the County Surveyor, Mr J Ekins' attendance at the meeting and he was to be invited to attend the next meeting in the autumn.
12 SALTERNS COTTAGE, MAIDEN LANE, LYMINGTON - UPDATE
The Advisory Panel considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 5 in the Minute Book) outlining progress at Salterns Cottage and arrangements in hand to ensure that building and commissioning were accomplished expeditiously.
It was accepted, with regret, that this project had been subject to various problems. The arrangements in hand were intended to bring it to completion on time and this would be achieved under the supervision of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services.
RESOLVED;
That the report be noted.
13 TANNERS LANE, BOLDRE
Attention was drawn to a replacement building in Tanners Lane, Boldre. It was claimed that the replacement dwelling exceeded the footprint of original structure, contrary to regulations. The situation was to be investigated by Councillor Fidler.
14 ABANDONED VEHICLE
Professor Smart reported that a white van had been abandoned in the Keyhaven parking area. This was to be investigated and appropriate action taken.
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