4. Environment Strategy

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that local plans should take account of the roles and character of different areas, promoting the vitality of our main urban areas and recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside.

Thanet's open countryside is particularly vulnerable to development because of its limited extent, the openness and flatness of the rural landscape and the proximity of the towns. Thanet's countryside provides important landscapes that contribute to its sense of place, as well as making Thanet an attractive place that people want to come to. Much of the countryside is classified as 'best and most versatile agricultural land'. The countryside also supports a variety of habitats and species, particularly a number of important species of farmland birds which have declined in numbers over the last few decades.

There is a presumption against development in the countryside as the sites allocated in this plan meet the development needs of the district. The Council has assessed all of the sites put forward, and some have been allocated in rural settlements where this has been considered appropriate to meet the needs of sustainable development

The Council considers that it is essential to protect the countryside through planning policy in view of its vulnerability to sporadic forms of development and will locate all but essentially rural development in the Thanet towns. The only exception to this will be proposals for development that meet the criteria set out in paragraph 55 of the NPPF:

• The essential need for a rural worker to live permanently at or near their place of work in the countryside; or
• Where such development would represent the optimal viable use of a heritage asset or would be appropriate enabling development to secure the future of heritage assets; or
• Where the development would re-use redundant or disused buildings and lead to an enhancement to the immediate setting; or
• The exceptional quality or innovative nature of the design of the dwelling.

Such a design should:

• Be truly outstanding or innovative, helping to raise standards of design more generally in rural areas
• Reflect the highest standards in architecture
• Significantly enhance its immediate setting; and
• Be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area

The following policy seeks to achieve the objective of safeguarding the geological and scenic value of the coast and countryside.

The coastal towns of Thanet are separated by three particularly important areas of open countryside which are known as the Green Wedges indicated on the policies map.

The Green Wedges are significant in shaping the character of Thanet which has historically been a 'horseshoe' of built development wrapping around the coast. The Green Wedges provide a clear visual break when passing between the towns, giving a recognised structure and identity to Thanet's settlements. The Green Wedges are distinct from other types of open space as they provide a link between the open countryside and land which penetrates into the urban areas. The Green Wedges also make a valuable contribution to green infrastructure for the District.

The three Green Wedges differ in size and character. The largest is the one that separates Margate and Broadstairs. Substantial areas of this Green Wedge consist of high quality agricultural land in large open fields without fences or hedgerows. Other parts have isolated belts of woodland. The other two Green Wedges which separate Birchington and Westgate, and Broadstairs and Ramsgate are considerably smaller but perform a very significant function and, due to their limited extent are also potentially more vulnerable to development pressures.

There is very limited built development within the Green Wedges. The areas have level or gently undulating landform and generally sparse vegetation. The public perception of space, openness and separation is largely gained from roads and footpaths that run through or alongside the Green Wedges in undeveloped frontages. These factors allow many extensive and uninterrupted views across open countryside, enabling people to find the recreational, scenic or amenity resources they require without having to travel long distances. This is important as it adds to the quality of life and well-being perceived by people in the community.

The aesthetics of the Green Wedges are varied, and they are not always accessible to the public. There is an opportunity to enhance the Green Wedges by creating and enhancing wildlife habitats, for example working with landowners to encourage farmland birds, and to make the areas more accessible, potentially for recreation use. This may require changing farming activities. Funding may be available for environmental land management through Natural England's Stewardship Schemes.

Local Plan policies have historically been used to prevent urban sprawl, maintain the separation of the Thanet towns and prevent their coalescence, preserving their unique identities. The Green Wedge policy has been consistently and strongly supported at appeals. Inspectors' comments in appeal decisions, and the Inspector's Report to the Thanet Local Plan Inquiry, highlight the significance of the open countryside between the Thanet Towns, in providing visual relief in a highly urbanised area.

Some areas of the Green Wedges are vulnerable to development pressures, and some sites within them have been suggested as housing allocations. The Council has assessed the sites put forward in the Green Wedges and found that the allocation of some sites proposed in the Green Wedges would cause less harm than others. However, although allowing some small scale development may not significantly diminish the Green Wedge, the cumulative impact of several small scale developments could be of detriment to the Green Wedges and cause new development pressures where there are currently none. It could also set a precedent of releasing Green Wedge sites and result in further development within the Green Wedges which would diminish their functions.

The Council considers the Green Wedges still perform a highly significant function which overrides the need for development, and should continue to be protected through planning policy and meet the strategic objective of retaining the separation between Thanet's towns and villages with the following policy.

Policy SP25 sets out the policy approach in the Green Wedges. The Policy recognises that there may be circumstances where it is essential for development to be located in the Green Wedges, where there are no other suitable, available sites. This may include development to support agriculture, where agricultural units are located wholly or largely with the Green Wedges; or schemes to provide essential infrastructure. Applicants will need to demonstrate that it is essential for the proposed development to be within the Green Wedges, and in the case of agricultural development, to demonstrate that the development is required as part of the business plan for the unit.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that the planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by protecting and enhancing valued landscapes.

Thanet has historically been recognised for its distinctive wide, simple and unrestricted views and dramatic chalk cliffs along parts of its coastline. The Thanet Coast is the longest continuous stretch of coastal chalk in the UK and is one of the reasons for its designation as Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Useful resources and guidance for the interpretation of landscape are the Natural England National Character Areas, the Kent Historic Landscape Characterisation (2001) which has identified the broad historic character of the landscape of Kent, and the Thanet Landscape Character Assessment. In addition KCC commissioned a Seascape Character Assessment for the Dover Strait (2015) which identifies the character areas associated with the Dover Strait from North Foreland to Dungeness.

Thanet has a distinct landscape area defined by the Wantsum Channel which gave Thanet its "island" identity by separating it from the mainland. The Channel silted up around 1,000 years ago, and is characterised by former shoreline and port settlements and irregular fields bounded by roads, tracks and paths. The Wantsum has a history of reclamation and usage stretching back to at least the 12th and 13th centuries in connection with the considerable ecclesiastical estates in the region.

The contribution Thanet's landscapes make to Thanet's sense of place and island characteristics is very strong, as well as providing economic benefits in making the district an attractive place to settle and visit. Tourism and recreation uses compatible with Thanet's historic landscapes would be encouraged. Development would be expected to respect the diverse landscape characteristics of the countryside and coast. The character of the landscape within Thanet's countryside is varied, ranging from the distinctive sweep of Pegwell Bay, the flood plains of the River Stour and former Wantsum Channel, the open slopes of the former Wantsum Channel, the level to undulating Central Chalk Plateau, the wooded parkland at Quex and the urban coast. Landscape does not stop at administrative boundaries and two of the broad areas associated with Pegwell Bay and the Wantsum, continue into neighbouring districts of Dover and Canterbury. Developers may be required to submit a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) with planning applications that are likely to have a significant impact on the landscape. The LVIA should identify the nature, scale and magnitude of landscape and visual effects, and also help to identify ways of avoiding, reducing and mitigating any adverse effects. The Landscape Institute provides guidance on carrying out such an assessment.

Thanet sits within the Natural England's National Character Area (NCA) number 113 the

North Kent Plain, which sits between the outer Thames Estuary and the Kent Downs. This describes Thanet as a 'discrete and distinct area' within this NCA, characterised by its unity of land use. The Thanet Landscape Character Assessment (2017) refines this character area at the local level by identifying 7 broad landscape character types - chalk plateau, chalk slopes, undulating chalk farmland, parkland and estates, marshes, undeveloped coast and developed coast. These are further refined into 13 landscape character areas as set out below in table 7.

The assessment sets out the key characteristics which are evaluated through key sensitivities and qualities leading to a landscape strategy setting out guidelines for each character area.

These guidelines should be taken into consideration when considering development proposals within these areas. It is the Council's intention to adopt the Landscape Character Assessment as a Supplementary Planning Document which will provide a framework for future development when drawing up masterplans particularly for the strategic sites.

Map 2 - Landscape Character Areas

The Chalk Plateau

The central part of the district is characterised by A1: the Manston Chalk Plateau, a generally flat or gently undulating landscape, with extensive, unenclosed fields under intensive arable cultivation. This open landscape is fragmented by the location of large scale developments such as the former airport, Manston Business Park and a sporadic settlement pattern to the north of the airport. The character of this area is also defined by the proximity of the edges of the urban areas. This character area contains the highest point on the island at Telegraph Hill. The elevated plateau results in long distance panoramic views to the south over Minster Marshes and across Pegwell Bay and, in the west, across the Wantsum. The elevated central chalk plateau also forms a skyline in many views back from lower landscapes in Thanet, including the coast and marshlands.

The Chalk Slopes

This area largely comprises the distinctive and often quite steep hill slopes leading down from the Central Chalk Plateau to the former Wantsum Channel - B1: Wantsum Northern Slopes. The landscape is very open with few features and the former shoreline is more distinct in some places than in others, with the variation in the contour pattern. From the upper slopes it affords extensive views across the whole of the former Wantsum Channel to the slopes on the opposite banks and in many places to the sea. The former shoreline is more distinct in some places than in others, with the variation in the contour pattern. However, it also provides the unique setting of the former channel side villages of Minster, Monkton, Sarre and St Nicholas, and the smaller, originally farm based, settlements of Shuart, Gore Street and Potten Street. These elements provide important visual evidence of the growth of human settlement, agriculture and commerce in the area.

The openness of this landscape provides wide and long views of the former Wantsum Channel area and Pegwell Bay. The area also possesses a large number of archaeological sites (including scheduled ancient monuments); numerous listed buildings (including Minster Abbey, the churches at Minster, Monkton and St Nicholas, and Sarre Mill); and the historical landing sites of St Augustine and the Saxons, Hengist and Horsa.

Undulating Chalk Farmland

The undulating chalk farmland is a particular landscape feature in Thanet and consists of four landscape character areas: C1: St Nicholas-at-Wade Undulating Farmland, C2: Central Thanet Undulating Farmland; C3: St Peter's Undulating Farmland; and C4: Newlands Farm. Some of these character areas are important for their long distant views to the marshes and sea while in others the agricultural land performs a settlement separation function. These areas of high quality agricultural land are of value for farmland and roosting coastal birds. The openness and undeveloped character of the farmland contributes to the essentially rural character and relatively dark skies.

Parks and Estates

Quex Park (D1) is unique within the Thanet context, comprising a formal and extensive wooded parkland and amenity landscape within an otherwise open intensively farmed landscape. It possesses a formal landscape structure and gardens that act as an effective setting to Quex House Grade II listed. The parkland is intensively cultivated between the tree belts, with limited grazing pasture remaining. Two important historic features of the Park are the Grade II listed Waterloo Tower and a round castellated brick tower to the north of the main House.

Marshes

The two marshland landscapes of E1: Stour Marshes and E2: Wade Marshes formerly separated the Isle of Thanet from the mainland and formed part of the former Wantsum channel. The former channel stretches from Reculver (in Canterbury District) to Richborough (in Dover district) marked by the remains of Roman forts at these locations. These Roman forts guarded the two entrances of the channel and the area is potentially rich in archaeology. Therefore this is a sub regionally important landscape as it extends into the neighbouring districts of Canterbury and Dover and includes the flood plain of the River Stour. Both areas are characterised by a vast, flat, open landscape defined by the presence of an ancient field system, defined by an extensive ditch and dyke system, the sea walls and isolated groups of trees. These elements provide important visual evidence of the physical evolution of the Wantsum Channel and, like other marsh areas in Kent, produce huge open skies. The former grazing land has been improved and managed as arable farmland, however, it still retains its network of ditches which provide biodiversity interest. In both of these landscapes it is important to conserve the long distance views to the Thames Estuary to the north and Pegwell Bay to the south.

Undeveloped Coast

There are two stretches of undeveloped coast with the most extensive being Pegwell Bay (F1) which stretches into Dover District at Sandwich. The other is F2: Foreness Point and North Foreness to the north east of Thanet.

Pegwell Bay is an extensive area of mixed coastal habitats, including mudflats, saltmarsh and coastal scrub stretching from Ramsgate in the north to Sandwich in the south. These habitats form an open and relatively unspoilt landscape, with a distinctive character. The area possesses a sense of remoteness and wildness despite the relative proximity of development. Among its most important features in the area is the unique sweep of chalk cliffs viewed across Pegwell Bay from the south. This landscape creates large open skies. This is also of more than district significance as it stretches into the neighbouring district of Dover. The bay is of significant nature conservation interest which is reflected by its International, European and national designations.

Developed Coast

The long coastline is one of Thanet's main assets. There are two character areas associated with the developed coast G1: Ramsgate and Broadstairs Cliffs and G2: North Thanet Coast. The distinctive east facing low chalk cliffs of Thanet and the open seascape create a dramatic contrast to the almost continuous urban area of Ramsgate and Broadstairs located on the cliff top. The North Thanet Coast extends from the western edge of Birchington along the northern edge of Margate. The North Thanet Coast is characterised by a series of sandy bays with chalk reefs, mudflats and rock pools backed by a line of low white chalk cliffs.

With the exception of the Green Wedges, this area is heavily urbanised. The coastal strip is characterised by the presence of traditional seaside architecture, active harbour areas and beaches and some extensive public open clifftop areas. The pattern of bays and chalk headlands provides long sweeping and panoramic views of the coast, which are often complimented by a positive relationship with adjacent built development.

The Thanet Landscape Character Assessment provides the more detailed guidance for development proposals in each of the local landscape character areas and will be adopted as supplementary planning guidance. The following policy aims to safeguard and enhance the open and historic characteristics of Thanet's countryside and landscapes.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that local plans should plan positively for the creation, protection, enhancement and management of networks of biodiversity and Green Infrastructure. It states that local ecological networks should be identified and these should include the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites of importance for biodiversity, wildlife corridors, stepping stones that connect them, and areas identified by local partnerships for habitat restoration or creation.

Planning policies should promote the conservation, restoration and re-creation of priority habitats, ecological networks and the protection and recovery of priority species.

The NPPF also states that international, national and locally designated nature conservation sites should be protected, with appropriate weight given to the importance of their designation.

The NPPF states that existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land (including playing fields) should not be built on unless it can be demonstrated that the land is surplus to requirements or if it would be replaced by equivalent or improved provision. Planning policies should also protect and enhance public rights of way and access.

Thanet boasts a wealth of natural features which contribute to the green infrastructure network, including internationally and nationally designated sites and associated species, a magnificent coastline, chalk cliffs, geological features, river and marshland systems and areas of open countryside with distinctive landscapes and views. It is important that these are maintained and enhanced, and better linked to provide a comprehensive Green Infrastructure network.

Natural England defines Green Infrastructure (GI) as:

'a strategically planned and delivered network comprising the broadest range of high quality green spaces and other environmental features. It should be designed and managed as a multifunctional resource capable of delivering those ecological services and quality of life benefits required by the communities it serves and needed to underpin sustainability. Its design and management should also respect and enhance the character and distinctiveness of an area with regard to habitats and landscape types.

Green infrastructure includes established green spaces and new sites and should thread through and surround the built environment and connect the urban area to its wider rural hinterland. Consequently it needs to be delivered at all spatial scales from sub-regional to local neighbourhood levels, accommodating both accessible natural green spaces within local communities and often much larger sites in the urban fringe and wider countryside.'

Green infrastructure does not necessarily stop at District boundaries and so the District Council will work the other East Kent Councils to ensure that any Green Infrastructure strategy is compatible with adjacent studies. The various components that make up Thanet's existing Green Infrastructure is shown on policies map.

There are various Green Infrastructure projects being progressed by the Council and other organisations, and also a number of community projects. These include Dane Valley Woods, Westbrook Undercliffe Nature Park, Friends of Mocketts Wood, Montefiore Woodland and the Windmill Community Allotments. All large development sites will be expected to contribute to Thanet's Green Infrastructure in line with Policy SP27 which should include an appropriate mix, compatible with the surrounding landscape and habitats.  The Government has recently published its 25 Year Environment Plan (2018) which seeks to connect people with the environment to improve health and wellbeing through the creation of new green infrastructure.  At the local level further guidance on the provision of green infrastructure including provision of new rights of way and cyclepaths can be found in Kent Design.

The Council seeks to continue increasing and enhancing Thanet's Green Infrastructure network, and will encourage new community Green Infrastructure projects by working with relevant organisations. The Council will produce a Green Infrastructure Strategy in consultation with relevant groups and organisations following adoption of the Plan. The Plan sets out the strategic approach to Green Infrastructure in Policy SP27 which aims to deliver the strategic objectives by protecting, maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and the natural environment and creating a coherent network of Green Infrastructure. More detail will be added in the forthcoming Green Infrastructure Strategy. Provision of new infrastructure in new developments, particularly for informal recreation and dog walking can help to reduce the impact of visitor pressure on the nature conservation interest at the coast. It can also aid restoration of the landscape, improve biodiversity and improve connectivity between habitats or habitat features such as hedgerows. Good Green Infrastructure can have additional benefits to the wider ecosystem services including healthy water and nutrient cycles, improved air quality, managing flood risk and water pollution and minimising the effects of climate change. There are more direct benefits to local communities including the enjoyment of the natural environment and improved health and wellbeing.

Development proposals should consider the example list below which is not exhaustive, when considering the inclusion of green infrastructure within their proposals. Not all of these measures may be appropriate in all cases as they need to be applicable to the conditions of the site:

• create new wildlife and biodiversity habitats;
• integrate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDs);
• plant hedgerows and trees;
• provide green roofs; create ponds;
• create urban green corridors;
• create roadside verges;
• provide and manage new accessible open space including linear routes, for informal recreation/walking and dog walking and provide linkages between areas of open space;
• provide private gardens and play space;
• conserve and enhance the character of historic green spaces;
• provision of off-site enhancements;
• contribute to the enhancement of Thanet's Biodiversity
• Opportunity Areas or the enhancement of the Green Wedges including the introduction of linear features such as native hedgerows and water bodies where appropriate;
• reinforce and/or restore landscape character in line with the relevant landscape character assessment guidelines;
• Planning new Green Infrastructure assets to maximise their provision of ecosystem services including, but not limited to, improved air quality, natural flood management and climate change adaptation where appropriate;
• Other suitable planting schemes to provide biodiversity opportunities

International and national legislation provide statutory protection for the most important nature conservation sites. These are Ramsar sites, Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) which form a network of Natura 2000 sites across Europe designated for their important habitat and/or birds. Most of the Thanet coastline is designated and is important for its intertidal chalk, caves, species (such as blue mussel beds and piddocks), dunes and mudflats, and certain migratory and breeding bird species.

Ramsar sites have been designated as Wetlands of International Importance as a Waterfowl Habitat under the Ramsar Convention. This requires signatory governments to conserve wetlands and designated sites. Special Protection Areas are designated under Article 4 of the Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds), which requires member states to take "appropriate steps to avoid pollution or the deterioration of habitats or any disturbance affecting the birds". Special Areas of Conservation have also been designated under the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora) to provide increased protection to a variety of species, plants and habitats of importance to biodiversity both on a national and international scale.

There are currently six internationally designated sites within or adjacent to the District:

• Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay Special Protection Area (SPA)
• Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay Ramsar site
• Thanet Coast Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
• Sandwich Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
• Margate and Long Sands SAC
• Outer Thames Estuary Marine SPA

Designations do not stop at the District boundary, nor do the nature conservation interest of the sites. For example the Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay Special Protection Area and Ramsar extend into adjacent Districts. There are a number of other sites within or abutting East Kent which are located in neighbouring districts such as Stodmarsh (SAC, SPA, Ramsar) and the Blean Complex (SAC) and development proposals will need to consider their impact on these in line with Habitat Regulations. Thanet District Council and Canterbury City Council are working co- operatively to deliver a joint approach to mitigation.

Recreational pressure at the European sites, particularly the SPA, has given cause for concern from Natural England and the Kent Wildlife Trust regarding the impact of disturbance to over-wintering birds. There is further concern regarding the impact of increased recreational pressure as a result of population increases.

Evidence suggests that any new housing development in Thanet has the potential to increase the recreational impacts on the SPA resulting from the increase in population. This may have an adverse impact on the species for which the SPA has been designated. The actual level of impact from individual developments may not be significant, however the in-combination effect of all housing developments proposed in the district cannot rule out a significant impact.

As a result of this impact the Council appointed specialist consultants to produce a Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Plan (SAMM) (2016) to address any potential impact. The Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay SPA is used by a large number of migratory birds particularly over-wintering Turnstones and European Golden Plover. Much of the coast is accessible for walking and cycling and the large stretch of promenade along the coast bring the Turnstones very close to users and potential disturbance. Recent surveys have revealed a decline in their population eg a 50% drop in Turnstone numbers in 2013, subsequent years also show a decline in numbers. Evidence shows that recreational activity causes disturbance to birds, particularly dog walking. This type of recreational activity is most likely to increase with increased housing and it is this activity that the mitigation strategy seeks to address.

The zone of influence around a European designated site, is the geographical area within which people will travel to visit it. To keep it to a manageable extent a zone of influence is usually set so as to capture the majority of visits or visitors, rather than every single one. Within this zone, any potential impacts need to be avoided or mitigation provided. The whole of the District falls within a 6km radius of the SPA boundary and evidence has shown the zone of influence for the site to extend further than this. Therefore residents from all new housing in Thanet have the potential to increase recreational pressure on the SPA and the mitigation approach set out in the SAMM strategy applies to the entire District.

The mitigation package will include measures such as a wardening service to provide on-site presence throughout the SPA for the peak overwintering period - October and April. A co-ordination role will be required to manage the wardening and co-ordinate activities throughout the year such as education and awareness activities such as signage and interpretation. Other measures could include limited access management. Regular monitoring of birds and visitors will also be required. This list is not exhaustive and other appropriate activities may be put in place. The SAMM will be reviewed no later than 10 years or sooner if monitoring and surveys reveal issues which are not being addressed by the mitigation package. The mitigation package will be delivered by the SAMM Project, in collaboration with the Thanet Coast Project.

The Thanet Coast Project was established in 2001 and is tasked with much of the delivery of the North East Kent Marine Protected Area (NEKMPA) Action Plan and therefore delivery of the majority of the objectives of the Thanet Cliffs and Shore Biodiversity Opportunity Area (BOA) within Thanet. The main aims of the project are to:

• Raise awareness of the important marine and bird life, and how to avoid damaging them.
• Work with local people to safeguard coastal wildlife and implement the Management Scheme Action Plan.
• Encourage and run wildlife related events and make links with wildlife, green tourism, coastscape and the arts.
• Be a focal point for enquiries and gathering information on coastal wildlife and environmental issues.
• Keep everyone informed with progress through various means, including newsletters, articles and stakeholder workshops.

The Thanet Coast Project has been very successful with the following activities and projects set up to deliver these objectives:-

• 10 coastal codes of conduct formulated with stakeholders to alleviate the impacts of human activities on the European sites.
• One scientific research code formulated by The North East Kent Scientific Coastal Advisory Group.
• A twice yearly Thanet Coast newsletter.
• Educational activities and resources for all ages.
• Volunteering opportunities from volunteer wardens to participation in ecological research.

The SAMM has developed a tariff (revised 2017 in light of the new housing requirement of 17,140 units) that will apply to all new housing according to the number of dwellings built within the district. The tariff is inextricably linked to the housing requirement for the District for the plan period and will be reviewed if this requirement changes. The current tariff is set in table 8.

Species protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, the Protection of Badgers Act, the Habitats Directive or listed in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (Section 41) may be present on sites and would be a material consideration in the assessment of development proposals. Natural England have produced Standing Advice for protected species in relation to planning applications which provide details of the potential existence of protected species, advice on whether survey reports are required, guidance on the survey requirements for protected species and advice on mitigation proposals. Developers should have regard to this advice as appropriate.

The principle of net gain is set out in national planning policy. For the purposes of Policy SP30 it applies to all developments that result in a loss of, or degradation of habitats including buildings. Net gains in biodiversity can be delivered in a variety of ways ranging from avoiding the loss of high quality habitats, to on or off site habitat creation or enhancement, or a tariff system to invest in strategically important habitats.

The open countryside within Thanet is known to support a number of important species as is recognised in the international and national designations. In addition, Thanet is also important for farmland birds due to its large areas of farmed countryside. Farmland birds have declined over the last few decades and so it is important to ensure that remaining populations are protected and allowed to increase. The Green Wedges which are a largely arable landscape, provide a dispersal route for migratory bird species which are present on the coast, especially during the winter season. Changing farming practices within the Green Wedges would help to increase populations of farmland and migratory birds by enabling more ecologically diverse habitat to be created.

The following policy seeks to protect, maintain and enhance biodiversity and wildlife, by recognising that important species should be protected and requires this to be considered in determining planning applications for development.

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 places a duty on public authorities to conserve biodiversity. The Council has been working with the Kent Nature Partnership to identify Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) within the district in response to those priority habitats and species identified through the Kent Biodiversity Action Plan.

The Biodiversity Opportunity Areas identify where the maximum biodiversity benefits can be achieved and the greatest gains can be made from habitat enhancement, restoration and recreation. These areas offer the best opportunities for establishing large habitat areas and/or networks or wildlife habitats. Thanet has two BOAs:

• Thanet Cliffs and Shore - covers the majority of the internationally and nationally designated coastal habitats, extending through Thanet as far as Whitstable.
• Lower Stour Wetlands - The Lower Stour wetlands extend from the mouth of the old Wantsum channel across reclaimed marshland to the former mouth of the river Stour, and then continue around the coast to the Sandwich mudflats and sand dunes and the Lydden Valley.

As well as these identified sites, there is potential for habitat creation and enhancement in the Green Wedges, and sites designated for nature conservation. The Council will work with landowners, developers and other appropriate organisations to improve the opportunity for biodiversity. Developments should take into account their contribution to wildlife and seek to improve habitat connectivity in the wider area where appropriate through suitable landscaping schemes and new provision which can help to address the issues associated with the impact of climate change.

The following policy aims to meet the strategic objective of protecting, maintaining and enhancing biodiversity.

Thanet's urban areas are interspersed with a variety of areas of open space. These include parks, informal recreation green space, natural and semi-natural green space, amenity green space, outdoor sports facilities, play areas, cemeteries and allotments. These form part of Thanet's Green Infrastructure network and are shown on the Policies Map.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land (including playing fields) should not be built on unless it can be demonstrated that they are surplus to requirements, the loss would be replaced by equivalent or better provision or the development is for alternative sports and recreation provision. The NPPF also states that planning policies should protect and enhance public rights of way (PROW) and access. Kent County Council's Countryside and Coastal Access Improvement Plan identifies the need for planning policies to protect or enhance PROW.

Open space is a scarce commodity within Thanet's urban areas. Once such areas are lost to development, it is very difficult to provide satisfactory replacements within the immediate vicinity. Open spaces can provide for a wide variety of activities from organised sport to simple relaxation and opportunities for walking. Open space and amenity areas are vital for people's health and quality of life and their visual importance can often contribute to the quality of the local environment. Smaller areas of informal open space on residential estates can provide important local resource, particularly in the more built up areas where there is less opportunity for larger open spaces. Sometimes these areas are too small to be identified on the policies map for protection, therefore any proposed development on open space areas of this nature will need to be justified.

The Open Space, Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities Strategy 2018 (Open Space Strategy) has been carried out and includes recommendations and action plans to be implemented corporately. The draft strategy identifies an under provision in the 5 typologies of open space - amenity greenspace, provision for children and young people, allotments, natural and semi-natural greenspace and public parks and gardens - at 2016 and also by 2031. The figures are set out in table 12 and are based on population figures of 141,00 at 2016 and 161,500 by 2031.

In line with the draft recommendations, the Council will expect all new developments to make provision for new open space in line with the Fields in Trust Guidelines for provision, accessibility and equipped play space. Table 12 sets out the provision guidelines, table 10 sets out the accessibility criteria and table 11 sets out the Quantity Benchmark Guidelines for equipped/designated play space. This is set out in Chapter 12.

For the strategic sites the relevant policies set out the general open space requirements, for the specific typologies of open space the Council will expect developers to apply the Fields in Trust guidelines to determine the precise requirements.

For other developments, where provision cannot be made on site, or where an existing play space lies within the walking distance guideline of a proposed development the Council will seek a financial contribution either towards new provision or improvement of an existing facility. Applicable schemes may include the improvement of facilities at Hartsdown and improved provision at Jackey Baker's sports ground and proposed expansion.

Allotment sites are a statutory requirement for the Council but are usually managed by town or parish councils. Allotments serve not only local residents by offering them a chance to grow their own fruit and vegetables but also by offering them physical activities, a healthy diet, and general well-being. Allotments can also be important for their contribution to biodiversity. The overall benefits of allotments include:

• Providing a sustainable food supply
• A healthy activity for people of all ages
• Fostering community development and cohesiveness
• Acting as an educational resource
• Providing access to nature and wildlife and acting as a resource for biodiversity
• Providing open spaces for local communities
• Reducing carbon emissions through avoiding the long distance transport of food

The following policies meet the objectives of promoting physical and mental well-being, safeguarding and enhancing the geological and scenic value of the coast and countryside, retaining the separation between Thanet's towns and villages and enhancing biodiversity and the natural environment.

Local Green Spaces can be designated by communities through the local or neighbourhood planning processes. As set out in the NPPF, once designated, a Local Green Space will be afforded the same protection as Green Belts and new development will not be permitted other than in very special circumstances. The NPPF sets out the circumstances under which Local Green Spaces can only be designated:

• The green space is in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves.
• The green area is demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular local significance.
• The green area concerned is local in character and is not an extensive tract of land.

The Local Plan designates 19 Local Green Spaces which are protected under policy SP30. This follows an assessment of 49 proposals submitted by local groups, individuals, town and parish councils during the Revisions to Preferred Option consultation in 2017, and only those listed below were found to satisfy the criteria. Details of the assessment can be found in the report on Local Green Space. The Local Green Spaces designated in the Local Plan are:

• Kitty's Green, Broadstairs (Click here to view on map)
• Culmer's Amenity Land Broadstairs (Click here to view on map)
• Holmes Park, Broadstairs (Click here to view on map)
• Pierremont Park, Broadstairs (Click here to view on map)
• Memorial Recreation Ground, Lawn Road Broadstairs (Click here to view on map)
• St Peter's Recreation Ground, Broadstairs (Click here to view on map)
• Mocketts Wood, Broadstairs (Click here to view on map)
• Westover Gardens, Broadstairs (Click here to view on map)
• Village Green, Foads Lane, Cliffsend (Click here to view on map)
• Meadow, Cliffs End Road Cliffsend (Click here to view on map)
• Playground Foads Lane, Cliffsend (Click here to view on map)
• Earlsmead Crescent, Cliffsend (Click here to view on map)
• Dane Valley Woods, Margate (Click here to view on map)
• Windermere Avenue, Ramsgate (Click here to view on map)
• Adrian Square, Westgate (Click here to view on map)
• Ethelbert Square, Westgate (Click here to view on map)
• Playing Field, Minster Road, Westgate (Click here to view on map)
• Recreation Ground, Lymington Road, Westgate (Click here to view on map)
• Local Park, Victoria Avenue/Quex Road, Westgate (Click here to view on map)

The provision of larger areas of open space will be delivered most appropriately through strategic allocations and should be considered integral to the masterplanning of development proposals.

The Open Space Strategy (2018) identifies an under provision of natural and semi-natural green space based on the fields in trust guidelines of 1.8ha per 1,000 population, of 190.19ha by 2031. New developments will be required to make provision in line with the Fields in Trust guidelines.

It can also help to relieve some of the recreational pressure on the coast, although this is in addition to any mitigation that may be required through the SAMM.

The following policy seeks to ensure the recommended provision of natural and semi natural green space, parks, gardens and recreation grounds is provided for and will contribute to Thanet's Green Infrastructure network.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) places high importance on good design, stating that pursuing sustainable development involves seeking positive improvements in the quality of the built, natural and historic environment, as well as in people's quality of life. Planning should seek to secure high quality design and a good standard of amenity for all existing and future occupants of land and buildings. Permission should be refused for development of poor design that fails to take the opportunity to improve the character and quality of an area.

Thanet's towns, villages, coast and countryside enjoy a diverse and rich built heritage which contributes significantly to Thanet's unique sense of place and identity. There are 21 conservation areas and around 2,000 listed buildings (a large proportion of which are in the historic town centres) - the highest concentration of listed buildings for a local authority in the South East. However there are some areas in the district where the townscape quality needs improvement and the Council is seeking developments of a higher quality. The urban areas have been developed to a high density, with high numbers of flats - largely due to the availability of large properties formerly used as hotels which lend themselves to conversion to flats, and the subdivision of larger family homes. Some of the urban areas boast a rich architectural heritage including attractive Victorian terraces and Regency squares and large and attractive art deco properties along the coasts. Some suburbs and the rural villages are characterised by lower density development, with large, well- spaced properties and a number of tree lined streets.

Good design can help improve and enhance areas by ensuring high quality developments, encourage regeneration and can help reduce the opportunities for and the fear of crime. The NPPF re-iterates and reinforces the role of Design Review in ensuring high standards of design. Design Review is an independent and impartial evaluation process in which a panel of experts on the built environment assesses the design of a proposal. The projects that Design Review deals with are usually of public significance, and the process is designed to improve the quality of buildings and places for the benefit of the public.

Developers proposing projects of public significance (such as urban extensions or town centre mixed use developments) will be required to seek a Design Review by an independent design panel. This should be carried out at an early stage in the process. The South East Regional Design Panel, (Design South East) can be contacted at Kent Architecture Centre www.architecturecentre.org.

Developers proposing projects that are of national significance or that will have a profound impact on the regional and local environment will be required to seek a National Design Review with the CABE team at the Design Council, www.designcouncil.org.uk. A design review may be required for developments in significant locations such as prominent seafront locations or as part of large strategic allocations.

This objective of this policy is to ensure that new development is built to the highest attainable quality thereby improving the quality of life for residents and aiding investment and regeneration. More detail on the design considerations for good quality development are set out in Policies QD01 and QD02.

The National Planning Policy Statement (NPPF) states that local plans should set out 'a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment'. It places emphasis on putting heritage assets to viable uses, the wider benefits that can be achieved by the conservation of the historic environment and the desirability of new development in making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness. It also includes criteria which would need to be fulfilled for a proposed development which would lead to substantial harm or loss of a heritage asset.

Thanet's historic and natural environment defines the character and setting of the district, and contributes significantly to residents' quality of life. It is important to maintain and enhance the historic and natural environment against the background of a successful, growing district encouraging investment and regeneration.

The district's rich historic environment can trace its origins to pre-historic activity with the remains of all periods from the Palaeolithic to Modern recorded within the area, consisting of both burial and settlement archaeology. Within the area there are about 2000 listed buildings, 27 conservation areas, 13 scheduled monuments, 1 national registered park and garden of special historic interest, and a wealth of nationally and locally significant archaeological remains. In addition, there are numerous other heritage assets that, whilst not designated, are considered to be nationally, regionally or locally significant.

It is this rich heritage and the close proximity to the sea that gives the district its special character and distinctiveness; this is emphasised by the large number of highly graded designated heritage assets, often connected to the strong relationship with the sea either in the form of commerce, health or leisure. For example the Winter Gardens, Margate built in 1911 is the only known example of a winter Gardens constructed with a chalk cliff and is Grade II listed. In addition the Lido complex Cliftonville has various elements which are Grade II listed, including the Clifton baths which are one of the earliest surviving seawater bathing establishments in the Country being constructed between 1824-8 and is the only known example of one being dug out of the cliffs. The Lido complex has been vacant for a number of years and its restoration provides an important investment opportunity for this part of Cliftonville, see policy SP10.

Dreamland has seen significant renovation of and investment in its listed structures - cinema Grade II*, Scenic Railway Grade II - and is an important cultural and historic asset to the Margate seafront. The recent renovation of the Grade II menagerie enclosures and cages that once housed lions, is an important asset to the park. These early animal cage structures are listed for their rarity and exceptionality.

Ramsgate Royal Harbour, designated in 1821, has a number of Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings and structures ranging from the Customs House and Clock tower, harbour inner basin walls and Jacob's Ladder to rare seaside structures such as the East Cliff lift.

Thanet can be described as a district with a diverse and vibrant character. The character of the coastal areas owes much to the juxtaposition of grand seafront developments and the smaller scale domestic 'vernacular' buildings associated with working harbours and holiday resorts.

The character of the rural areas owes much to the strong links with early Christianity with the landing of St Augustine in 597 at Ebbsfleet, and the ensuing development of medieval parishes centred around the church.

Some of the special qualities of Thanet's historic environment include:

• The richness of 18th, 19th and 20th century development linked to the sea, including grand residential terraces, harbours, leisure and health facilities as well as defence.
• The strong associations with internationally recognised people and their significant legacies within the built environment. These include the renowned architect AW Pugin, the Victorian financier and philanthropist , Sir Moses Montefiore and the Victorian showman George Sanger, Bleak House Broadstairs Grade II listed and its associations with Charles Dickens
• The presence of significant historic technical innovation, including the Scenic Railway Grade II *, Clifton baths Grade II, Albion Place Gardens Grade II and the Waterloo Tower at Quex.
• The wealth of public and private historic open spaces including many planned squares, parks, cemeteries, chines, cliff top promenades, coastal topography and significant views
• The Victorian/Edwardian suburbs and post-war housing developments (including Westgate on Sea)
• Locally distinctive materials, flint, clinker brick, Kentish red bricks and Kent pegs
• 27 conservation areas which vary considerably in age, size, character and style.
• Around 2,000 statutory listed buildings in Thanet - the highest concentration in the South East.
• A number of highly significant Grade I or II* listed buildings, including St Augustine's and Sir Moses Montefiore Synagogue, Ramsgate; Scenic Railway, Margate.
• 13 Scheduled Ancient Monuments ranging from Anglo-Saxon cemeteries to Minster Abbey.
• A designated Registered Park and Garden; Albion Place Gardens in Ramsgate.
• A richness in archaeological remains. The remains of all periods from Paleolithic to Modern are recorded within the area and consist of both burial and settlement archaeology.

Thanet's heritage assets including the significant historic building stock and archaeological resource, are irreplaceable and require careful management as the area evolves and undergoes significant growth and regeneration.

The opportunities to retain, enhance and improve Thanet's historic environment include:

• Using the income generated from the growing local tourism economy to invest in the maintenance and upkeep of historic assets;
• Ensuring development schemes enhance the setting of heritage assets and do not detract from their character and the appearance of the area;
• Supporting proposals for heritage led regeneration, ensuring that heritage assets are conserved, enhanced and their future secured.

Where development is proposed that may affect a heritage asset (designated or non- designated) or its setting, the Council will require the provision of the following information, proportionate to the asset's significance, in line with policy SP36 (3):

• describe and assess the significance of the asset, including its setting, to determine its architectural, historical or archaeological interest; and
• identify the impact of the proposed works on the significance and special character of the asset; and
• provide clear justification for the works, especially if these would harm the significance of the asset or its setting, so that the harm can be weighed against public benefits.

A change of use of the heritage asset, is likely to be supported provided:

• the proposed use is considered to be the optimum viable use, and is compatible with the fabric, interior, character, appearance and setting of the heritage asset;
• such a change of use will demonstrably assist in the maintenance or enhancement of the heritage asset; and
• features essential to the special interest of the individual heritage asset are not lost or altered to facilitate the change of use.

A Heritage Strategy is being prepared for Thanet. It is proposed that the strategy will be developed alongside the Local Plan and we have started to develop an evidence base to support this strategy and the Local Plan. The evidence includes assessing the significance of heritage assets in the area, including their settings, and the contribution they make to their environment. It also involves assessing the potential of finding new sites of archaeological or historic interest.

The preservation of Thanet's heritage is considered to be an economic asset, and its maintenance and protection plays an important role in the district's economy and aids in regeneration and investment. In recognition of the array of historic assets, Ramsgate has been named as Heritage Action Zone in 2016 by Historic England. This will provide necessary funding and investment to restore a number of heritage assets and regeneration of the area.

The Council aims to work with property owners and other stakeholders in the historic environment to both protect and enhance the historic environment and ensure its economic viability for future generations. One such scheme is the Townscape Heritage Initiative at Dalby Square, Cliftonville funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Council. This aims to restore the built environment to its former grandeur which would then be seen as an asset and encourage further investment in this area. The following policy sets out how it intends to achieve this.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) expects a pro-active approach against climate change and states that adapting to, and mitigating against, the effects of climate change are core planning principles. This can be achieved by planning for new development in locations and in ways which reduce greenhouse gas emissions, actively support energy efficiency improvements to existing buildings, and where appropriate, support standards for sustainable construction. The NPPF lists expectations to improve energy efficiency in new development in terms of decentralised energy and sustainable design, and ways of increasing the use and supply of renewable and low carbon energy. It stresses the importance of addressing longer term factors such as flood risk, coastal change, water supply and changes to biodiversity and landscape.

Climate change is a change in weather patterns caused by the increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere produced by the use of fossil fuels. Planning can help increase resilience to climate change impact through the location, mix and design of development.

The effects of climate change are already being seen in Kent, and include:

• more erratic weather conditions including an increase in the number of 'hot weather' events, storms and also freezing temperature events;
• increase in sea levels and wave crest;
• increase in coastal water temperature;
• length of growing season has extended by one month since 1990; and
• increases in flooding and droughts.

The Climate Change Act 2008 sets a target to reduce the UK's greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% in 2050 from 1990 levels. There are many opportunities to integrate climate change mitigation and adaptation. Planning can mitigate climate change through reducing emissions by reducing the need to travel and providing sustainable modes of transport; providing opportunities for renewable and low carbon energy technologies; providing opportunities for decentralised energy and heating and promoting low carbon design approaches to reduce energy consumption in buildings such as passive solar design.

The Council has adopted the Climate Local Kent commitment for Thanet. Climate Local is a Local Government Association initiative to drive, inspire and support council action on a changing climate. The initiative supports councils' efforts both to reduce carbon emissions and also to improve their resilience to the effects of our changing climate and extreme weather. The Climate Local Kent Commitment sets aims which include:

• 34% reduction in emissions by 2020 (2.6% reduction per year).
• Retrofitting to existing homes.
• Reduce water consumption from 160 to 140 litres per person per day by 2016.
• Increase renewable energy deployment in Kent by 10% by 2020.

The following policy aims to ensure new development minimises the impacts of climate change through mitigation and adaptation measures, and reduce Thanet's carbon footprint.