Archived decisions

                      ITEM 2

AT A MEETING OF THE LYMINGTON COASTAL AREA ADVISORY PANEL held at Lymington Town Hall, Avenue Road, Lymington on 20 April, 2004

PRESENT:

Councillor A W Rice TD (Chairman) Hampshire County Council

Councillor Mrs P G Banks Hampshire County Council

Mr J Clarke Solent Egg Collectors

Mrs. R. Cook Hampshire Ornithological Society

Councillor D.J. Culver-Williams Lymington and Pennington Town Council

Mr. J. Fear Rural Village Heritage

Mr R A Francis South Hampshire Wild Fowlers

          Association

Mr P R Gossling Milford Environment Group

Councillor J.D. Heron New Forest District Council

Councillor Mrs K Heron Hampshire County Council

Mr R Jenvey Commercial Fisherman, Lymington

Mr T Kermode Environment Agency

Mr. N.K. King Lymington Society

Mr. J.K. Nesbitt Lymington and Pennington Town Council

Mr R S Saunders Marshes Protection Society

Prof. G.S. Smart, CBE Solent Protection Society

Mr M G Thomas Norley Wood and District Society

Mrs S P Wicks Lymington Town Sailing Club

Mr. E.J. Wiseman Local Resident

Mrs F M Wiseman Lymington Naturalists

Major Gen. J C Woollett, CBE, MC Royal Lymington Yacht Club

25 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

26 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 21 May, 2003 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Arising thereon

Minute 23 - Lymington and Keyhaven Coastal Area Management Report - November, 2002 - April, 2003


Mrs. Wiseman sought clarification regarding the type of volunteer effort required, and was advised to contact Mr. Durnell with any offers of help.

Information regarding the final costs of Salterns Cottages was sought. It was explained that the cost of the associated works would need to be deducted from the costs relating to the re-build of the cottage.

Mr. Davison would obtain a breakdown of figures from the project architects.

27 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman paid tribute to the late Brian Down who had reported on the Advisory Panel and Management Committee's deliberations for many years.

28 DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations.

29 COASTAL DEFENCE STRATEGY FOR THE WEST SOLENT

The Advisory Panel received a presentation from the Coastal Projects Officer, New Forest District Council on the results of the Coastal Defence Strategy for the West Solent study.

A copy of the text of the presentation is appended to the minutes.

Members raised questions regarding:-

    · Tidal effects of bunds.

    · Problems of coastal erosion.

    · Need for the Lymington Harbour Commission to protect the river and coast.

    · Dredging of gravel on the banks at the Needles.

    Mr. Colenutt was thanked for his presentation.

30 LYMINGTON AND KEYHAVEN COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT MAY, 2003 TO MARCH, 2004

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage (Item 6 in the Minute Book).

Mr. Durnell presented photographic slides of the Marshes to accompany the report by Mr. Davison.

Mr. C. Cuthbert had been appointed as Area Team Leader, reporting to Mr. Davison, Assistant Head of the Countryside Service.

It was reported that, resources permitting, management on the marshes would be extended to Sturt Pond. Mr. Devine confirmed that the New Forest District Council (NFDC) supported proposals to declare Sturt Pond a Local Nature Reserve.

Negotiations would take place with NFDC with a view to negotiating a partnership management arrangement with the County Council.

Foxes and mink were increasing on the Reserve and sensitive methods of controlling their numbers would need to be considered.

Problems had been experienced with cyclists encountering pedestrians. Minimal signage for the direction of cyclists on permissible routes, such as the Ancient Highway was requested.

Professor Smart drew attention to the extensive tree clearance on gorselands close to the Reserve, which would have an effect on the biodiversity on the Marshes. Officers noted the comments and would make enquiries about the situation.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

31 MANOR FARM (EFFORD) GRAVEL PIT AND LANDFILL SITE

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 7 in the Minute Book) updating on progress with planning applications and the Water Management Scheme.

The current position regarding gravel extraction was explained. The working was within Phase 4 and presented the final phase of gravel extraction at Efford. Tipping was in progress in Cells, 13, 14, 15 and 16.

Professor Smart drew attention to the odour of rubbish emanating from landfill gas, which he understood, the new plant would eliminate. Whilst this would be taken up with the contractors, it was explained that due to technical reasons, this would remain for a number of years, although it should be undetectable by 2007.

The Water Management Scheme was subject to comments, collection of further data and monitoring.

The "Marshes Group" had been consulted and the scheme had been approved, subject to the addressing of technical issues raised by the County Council's hydrogeological consultants.

In order to fully implement the Scheme additional infrastructure and consents would be necessary particularly Environment Agency consent to discharge to the Avon Water before further progress could be made.

It was explained that this measure was a major point of the scheme, for controlling water levels under varying seasonal weather conditions.

Mr. Kermode indicated informally that the Environment Agency would be likely to give their approval for discharges into the Avon Water provided that the operators were able to achieve the necessary water quality standards for discharges into the Avon Water.

It was hoped that the scheme could be submitted in August, 2004, followed by consultations.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

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