Tenterden: Jewel of the Weald
Yet in the past four years almost 20 acres of green space in Tenterden has been lost to development, with a further 40 acres earmarked for building and at least another 60 acres of green space known to be at risk.
Tenterden Local Green Space Steering Group formed in May of 2018 The William Judge Trust Ivy Court & West View
An NPPF policy to: ‘give local people an opportunity to protect green spaces that have significant importance to their communities’ Statutory LOCAL GREEN SPACE designation; only to be achieved through Local or Neighbourhood Plans For green space: * In reasonably close proximity to the community * Demonstrably special and of local significance * Not an extensive tract of land
NEED FOR SELECTIVE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 17 Sept. 2018, discussion with Ashford Borough Council. 29 Sept. 2018, presentation in Town Hall to 180 residents. 27 Nov. 2018, discussion with Town Councillors. Unanimously approved
MISSION STATEMENT Produce a selective NP in conformity with Ashford Local Plan to: 1) Define a coherent and forward-looking Plan for Tenterden. 2) Establish a network of valuable green space (designated as Important Green Space), with interconnecting green passageways where possible. 3) Promote the health and wellbeing of residents and indigenous wildlife, enhance biodiversity and provide environmental protection 4) Continue to attract visitors to the town.
Residents’ Workshop in April 2019 to establish five NP working groups Local Green Space Routeways Communications & Landscape Character Biodiversity & Wildlife Engagement
A nd we’ve been busy ever since!
In May, 4 Presentations In June, training sessions to 600+ residents for 4 working groups
With work, meanwhile, by all 5 groups, to establish those green sites in proximity to the community which might be ‘demonstrably special’ to them , according to criteria set out in the NPPF for LOCAL GREEN SPACE designation, i.e. for: * Their historical significance * Their beauty * Their tranquillity * Their recreational value * The richness of their wildlife
LANDSCAPE CHARACTER GROUP The Group’s objective is to capture through research and observation the evolving characteristics that through time have contributed to Tenterden’s unique identity within its landscape; involving natural, cultural and social histories and aesthetic perception – including mapping:
The professional photographer, Jerry D’Arts has been involved in capturing the beauty of our parish, so far in 600 or more photographs of its surrounding landscape – and there’ll be room for policies within the Neighbourhood Plan for protecting Tenterden’s most iconic views.
ROUTEWAYS WORKING GROUP The Group’s research and explorations of existing routeways including footpaths, brideways and cycle routes, have revealed a need for policies within the Neighbourhood Plan to protect and enhance the many benefits they offer our community.
The parish is covered by historic routeways, some of them pre-dating the town itself, and many with wide verges once offering livestock common grazing between enclosures.
Narrow lanes and twittens radiate from the town centre to join field paths – providing residents with access to fresh air and exercise, and a system of green corridors for wildlife.
Yet in the last four years 700 metres of green paths have been lost to development, with 900 metres more at risk. Gated cul-de-sacs, as at Townsfield Court, have blocked access to the countryside beyond.
The Group’s work to date suggests future policies within the Neighbourhood Plan, to: * Protect and enhance the local character of existing routeways. * Improve connections for all uses – e.g. in providing safe cycle tracks through town. * Promote health and wellbeing through increased access. * Maximise the benefits of green routeways as habitats and corridors for wildlife.
BIODIVERSITY & WILDLIFE GROUP This working group ’ s aims are to: 1) Contribute to the conservation of sites considered for Local Green Space designation, by providing evidence of their ecological value. 2) Develop additional policies within the Neighbourhood Plan to help conserve priority habitats and species. 3) Provide a baseline for monitoring the ecological health of the parish through future years.
We are fortunate to live in a biologically diverse parish including ancient woodland, wooded gills unique to the region, 10 designated Local Wildlife Sites, 2 ‘ traditional orchards ’ and 4 private nature reserves.
Since May of this year, 915 plant and animal species have been recorded for the Group by local residents, with 820 photographs, all map-referenced, for a parish data-base shared with iNaturalist and KMBRC.
Numbers of protected species have been recorded, including 2 rare bats and at least 20 birds on the BTO Red List. Also: Dermaloma mushrooms Wild polecats pre viously A rare Clifden Nonpareil yet to be identified by unknown in this part of blue underwing moth the authorities at Kew the South East found at Kench Hill
In July the Group commissioned an assessment of 8 green sites in Tenterden from Dolphin Ecological Surveys. Their report concluded that: ‘The survival on the edges and even within the town of such a rich array of ancient habitats is unusual and a feature of ecological and historical importance.’
Further fieldwork, and a 2-day training course based on Joint Nature Conservation Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, have prepared the Group for ongoing assessment of all green sites to be considered.
GREEN SPACE WORKING GROUP Central to the Neighbourhood Plan – with Landscape, Routeways and Biodiversity groups providing evidence for its selections – the Green Space Group has been busy this year OS mapping and surveying and photographing EVERY green space in or near the communities of Tenterden, St Michaels and Smallhythe.
A Long List of 100 + green sites in or near the town are now categorised for potential LGS designation or other protective policies within the NP TYPE OF SPACE EXAMPLES DESCRIPTION Priority spaces for potential LGS Meets the criteria set out in the NPPF and Tenterden NP LGS designation Guidance Notes Open spaces - policy Sports pitches and greens, playgrounds, urban parks Offers opportunities for sports, play and recreation Green spaces within housing Green areas and landscaping within existing and future Creates attractive and pleasant built environments, providing developments - policy housing developments community outdoor leisure space Green routeways - policy Road and rail corridors, cycling routes, pedestrian Creates a sustainable travel network promoting walking and cycling, paths, rights of way and links green infrastructure with the built environment Green roadside verges - policy Creates a sense of character within a settlement contributing to the attractiveness of an area or buildings REJECTED SITES with reasons
Arguments for selection, categorisation or rejection have all been recorded, with further evidence to be sought for all contending sites.
Map of sites for further consideration by the community, the NP steering committee and its working groups.
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