KCC Letter to S&DRA 28-Mar-2014

As per the previous posting, the letter from Angela Watts to our Association.

Please click on the link bellow to open.

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=168305352&key=undefined&pass=undefined

KCC PLANNING OFFICERS LET DOWN OUR COMMUNTIES AGAIN.

Q: When does an expiry date become an unexpired date.

A: When KCC are involved.

On the 27th March 2014 the planning consent for Countrystyle to build a waster and Digester site at Otterpool Quarry lapsed. Or did it. According to Angela Watts, Senior planning officer at KCC, it's not necessary for the entrance construction (condition 5) to be completed before the expiry date provided that the applicant submits details of the said works prior to the expiry date.

S&DRA's view is that it clearly states in condition 5 that the entrance should be COMPLETED before consideration is given to the main construction works. At present, the entrance has not been completed, the 3 year consent period has lapsed, therefore the applicant needs to reapply for planning permission. Moreover, conditions 12, and 14-17, Drainage and Contamination are no further being discharged than what they were three years ago. 

KCC state that Countrystyle provided written confirmation of their intention to commence enabling works at the site in accordance with the approved access details on March 12th. If that was the case, why wasn't it mentioned during the meeting when committee members would have had the chance to respond. So did Countrystyle suddenly realise after the committee meeting that the entrance should be built before the 27th? What time was the written confirmation received? Why did Countrystyle suddenly start to build the entrance so soon after the meeting? What discussions or negotiations took place between KCC Planning Officers and Countrystyle after 12th March?

The KCC letter dated 28th March 2014 to S&DRA will be posted on our website very shortly.

Les Barratt, Co-Chairman S&DRA.

WORKS BEING CARRIED OUT AT OTTERPOOL 14TH AND 15TH MARCH.

After countless telephone calls from concerned residents explaining that works around the entrance are now being carried out with mature trees being cut down in the Otterpool site, we can confirm that under the terms of conditions attached to Countysyle's consent, condition 5 clearly states that the entrance should be COMPLETED before any development commences on site. Whether it can be COMPLETED before 27th March 2014, being the end of the 3 year consent period, is of no concern to us. It is very clearly set out in the conditions that if they are not ALL discharged before the consent period expires, the application will lapse and the applicant will have to re-apply for planning permission. Please see the previous two posting on our website detailing the position with conditions 12 and 14-17.

Les Barratt. Co-Chairman, S&DRA.

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY COMMENTS ON SITE CONTAMINATION (conditions 14-17).

In an email to Angela Watts at KCC dated 14th March 2014 the Environment Agency (EA) made the following comments; 'We are not currently in a position to recommend the discharge conditions 14-17 of planning permission SH/08/124 as we still do not feel confident that all issues at this site have been investigated as far as possible.

To summarise, S&DRA's members expertise extend to Civil engineering, Planning, Drainage and Architecture, but are left wanting in environmental sciences. We therefore commissioned a highly respected, independent Environmental scientist to issue a report on site contamination matters. Duly sent to EA for immediate consideration and mentioned in the aforementioned email we are most grateful for the unbiased and professional assessment review of existing site conditions. It should also be noted that information was gleaned from site workers operating on site in the 1980's. We will be submitting further information to EA to support further investigations. In particular, the unofficial 18 metre (sixty feet) deep pit that was dug to dump a whole raft of 'on site' and 'off site' materials including petrol, diesel, tarmac, bitumen amongst other hazardous materials including vehicles.

Les Barratt. Co-Chairman, S&DRA. 

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY COMMENTS ON SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE (condition 12)

In a recent email to Angela Watts at KCC dated 12th March 2014, the following comments were made by the Environment Agency (EA): 'We are not currently in a position to recommend the discharge of condition 12 of planning permission SH/08/124'.

To summarise, in recent correspondence to the applicant, information was being sought between the correlation between attenuation lagoons and site groundwater levels. It was noted by EA that the attenuation lagoons could be below groundwater levels and that additional information was required. The S&DRA confirm that this would be the case and in actual fact, given the noted conservative groundwater levels, the lagoons, including hydrobrake's/chambers would be totally under water. It should also be noted that SLR's (Countystyle'e experts/agents) own borehole readings are within 150mm (6 inches) of our own.

On the matter of sustainable drainage, Countrystyle's scheme would be to pump the water from site, under the A20 into a ditch and then into an existing pipe across Farmer Price's field. The EA pointed out that this is not a sustainable drainage system and therefore would not be considered. 

The S&DRA agree with EA's comments and look to be providing further factual information on historic borehole readings.

Les Barratt. Co-Chairman, S&DRA.

KCC PLANNING APPLICATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING 12th March 2014.

The KCC Planning Committee were recently called upon to debate and give approval to the discharging of two of the outstanding conditions which were attached to the planning consent of Countrystyle to build an anaerobic Digester and MRF waste site at Otterpool Quarry. This was unusual in as much as the planning officers already have the power to decide upon such issues given that both of these conditions relate to the Weighbridge and Landscaping. As far as we could see, there was no real issue with the weighbridge, but the Landscaping scheme was an entirely different issue. Taken in isolation, it would be difficult to find fault with the scheme, but lay it over the Surface Water drainage scheme and the problems are glaring.

S&DRA's position has always been to take a holistic approach when viewing drawings and submissions pertaining to the Otterpool site.

Fortunately, the majority of the Planning committee members have also taken this stance after hearing from our speakers, Graham Horner, representing CPRE, Bob Edden, Co chairman of S&DRA and our County Councillor, Susan Carey. A representative from Countrystyle spoke of how the submissions made to KCC were detailed and robust but also noted that the attempt to discharge the conditions had been delayed due to contractual delays in acquiring feedstock from various Councils. This, of course is not a material planning consideration.

After hearing from Mike Clifton, (Planning Officer), the debate was started by Councillor Ian Chittenden who set the theme for the rest of the morning. We were pleased to hear that the comments were well thought through, measured and above all sensible, offering consideration to the Surface Water Drainage scheme which in effect totally conflict with the Landscape scheme.

There was also mention of the Badger setts which are situated on the southern bank of the site. Far from being considered, it would appear that all the setts would be destroyed to make way for the drainage scheme. 

Other Councillors to offer support to the notion that the Landscape scheme be considered alongside 'Drainage' included Mike Baldock, Matthew Balfour, Pam Brivio, Peter Harman, Trever Shonk and last but not least Jim Wedgebury, who was firmly of the opinion that matters left to the last minute are usually rushed through with no real deserved consideration.

After a short break and further debate a proposal was set before the Committee to 'Discharge the Weighbridge condition but to defer the Landscape condition until such time that Surface Water and Ground Contamination submissions are before the committee'. Councillor Chittenden was the last to speak with a question directed to Sharon Thompson (Head of Planning) asking for confirmation that the Landscaping issues will be heard alongside 'drainage' and 'ground contamination'. A very firm 'YES' was the reply. A vote was taken and was carried ten votes to one.

Needless to say we were delighted with the outcome. We await to see the submissions relating to 'drainage' and 'contamination' from statutory consultees, the Environment Agency.

It was good to see Sally Edwards of Lympne Parish Council and Donald Broad, Chairman of Monks Horton Parish Meeting in attendance. Your continued support is always appreciated.

Les Barratt, Co-Chairman, S&DRA. 

KCC MEETING DETAILS.

The KCC Planning committee will be meeting to discuss the remaining conditions next Wednesday, 12th March at County Hall, Maidstone. The meeting starts at 10am. All are invited to attend.. Please ensure leaving good time for parking. The Residents Association and CPRE will be speaking. As of yet, Sellindge Parish Council have not made arrangements to speak. See you all there.

OTTERPOOL QUARRY UPDATE.

OTTERPOOL QUARRY UPDATE

To briefly recap; Planning permission was granted to ‘Countrystyle’ on the 28^th March 2011 to develop the quarry site opposite the Airport café by KCC. Various conditions were attached to the consent, not only by statutory consultee’s but also by the Sellindge & District Residents Association.

As the consent only lasts for three years, Countrystyle has only recently been trying to discharge some of those conditions in order to commence building work at the site. From what we have seen from Countrystyle’s documentation, detail and clarity have been woefully lacking.

Our Association has been invited by KCC to comment on the information received of which we are in the process of doing.

The drainage issues surrounding this application have always been ambiguous to say the least with scant regard for our environment.

As we all know, the area is not served by any form of sewer/foul drainage system.

The original scheme to discharge site water ‘run-off’ was to discharge into the nearby highway drainage, exiting in the garden at Barrow Hill Farm cottages. Needless to say, consultee’s took a dim view of this scheme and asked Countrystyle to reconsider the scheme.

In a letter dated 3^rd February, 2014 from farmer, Richard Price to Mr. T. Heathcote, owner of Countrystyle, an agreement has been entered into to drain the surface water from the waste/digester site through a drainage pipe installed over Mr. Price’s land, unimpeded to the river Stour. This letter can be viewed on the KCC website.

Our Associaton’s view of this scheme is one of  dismay to say the least. There are many other technical issues over the site drainage scheme which has been totally ignored. We will be responding accordingly.

Site contamination is another very serious issue that we are now tackling. Thanks to various local people, we discovered that the site was unofficially used as a dumping ground; not just for rubble but from what we can gather, for everything one could imagine, even a car.

A localised site investigation has been carried out by agents of Countrystyle, but have failed to assess major areas of the site, including the ‘dump’ where we believe contamination to be a very serious problem. Once again, our Association team is following up to consultee’s with our own observations and comments.

A meeting/hearing has been scheduled for the 12^th March at County Hall, Maidstone for the full committee to debate the situation concerning the conditions. This hearing has been called for by KCC. For those of us that travelled to Maidstone three years ago, this hearing is along similar lines where the public are allowed to listen to the debate. Interest bodies will be allowed 3 minutes to give their own presentations including ourselves. The officer’s report and agenda won’t be made available until five days before the hearing. For those of you wishing to attend, please keep in touch for further details. It would be helpful if you emailed us on sellindgeresidents @gmail.com to register your interest. Either way, details will be given on our website.

Fwd: OTTERPOOL QUARRY. 16th February 2014.

 OTTERPOOL QUARRY. 16th February 2014.

A statement will follow in the very near future to update residents on the position of the the Applicant, Countrystyle relating to the discharging of conditions before their deadline date of 28th March, being the 3 year period of consent.

OTTERPOOL WASTE SITE ANNOUNCEMENT.

                                                                                                                        COUNTRYSTYLE WASTE SITE DEVELOPMENT.

The Sellindge & District Resident's Association maintain strong opposition to the building of a waste and Digester site at Otterpool Quarry, even though permission was approved by KCC over 2 years ago. We will be doing our utmost to ensure that all 37 conditions are adhered to and tested before construction period.

In a recent meeting with Sellindge Parish Council, it was stated by the Chairman that their initial opposition has now changed to supporting the application.

PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS FOR MORE DETAILS.

Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan: Proposed Mineral Safeguarding Areas

Note - I thought this would be best put in this Section although may not directly relate to Otterpool Waste. 

__________________________________________________________

From: Rachel.Cutler@kent.gov.uk [mailto:Rachel.Cutler@kent.gov.uk]
Sent: 11 February 2013 10:38
Subject: Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan: Proposed Mineral Safeguarding Areas - AMENDEMENT

Amendment: Please note that questions 2-4 below relate to Appendix F, not Appendix E as stated.

Dear Consultee,

Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan: Proposed Mineral Safeguarding Areas

We are producing a series of topic papers to inform the production of the new Kent Minerals and Waste Plan. These topic papers will provide detailed information on key mineral and waste topics for sustainable mineral and waste management issues in Kent over the 2013-2030 plan period. The latest draft paper focuses on the important subject of mineral safeguarding in Kent.

The purpose of the safeguarding designations is to ensure that economic mineral resources are adequately and effectively considered in land-use planning decisions for non-mineral development; there is no presumption that any safeguarded mineral resources will be suitable for extraction in the future.

This revised draft topic paper builds on the responses to our earlier Minerals and Waste Plan consultations, associated evidence base consultations and organised consultee workshop events. We now welcome your views on our approach to mineral safeguarding in Kent and the extent of the proposed safeguarding areas for individual mineral types, in order to help us shape the mineral safeguarding policies and mineral safeguarding maps for our Minerals and Waste Local Plan.

In particular we would welcome your comments on the following aspects of ‘mineral safeguarding’:-

1. Do you agree with the approach being taken to exemptions from the mineral safeguarding process (paragraph 1.1.7)?
2. Do you agree that we should safeguard the sub alluvial river terrace deposits on Figure 2 in Appendix E?
3. Do you agree that we should safeguard all of the building stone types shown on Figure 3 in Appendix E?
4. Do you agree that we should safeguard all of the brickearth deposits shown on Figure 5 in Appendix E?

The document will be open for comment from 11^th February to 4th March 2013 and will be publically available on our website and consultation portal.

We recommend you submit your views through our online consultation portal. Alternatively, you can also email your comments to mwdf@kent.gov.uk or write to us at MWLP Project Team, Planning and Environment, Kent County Council, Invicta House, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XX.

The next formal stage of our plan making will be the consultation on our draft Minerals and Waste Plan (formerly known as the Pre-submission edition of the Core Strategy) which is scheduled to start in June 2013. We will inform all stakeholders who are registered on our database about this later in the year. In the mean-time, you can download our timetable and other plan making information from our website (www.kent.gov.uk/mwdf) or contact us at the address above.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Rachel Cutler

Planning Officer

Illegal waste operations result in £233,670 fine for Kent firms and director

Click on the link below (which will open in a new tab) to read the Press Release from the Environment Agency on 1st November entitled:

''Illegal waste operations result in £233,670 fine for Kent firms and director'

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/143918.aspx

Waste firm fined over illegal dumping of 'soil'

The article below was published on the 15th November in the Herald. To read the article (enlarge the print) click on the image below. 

 Once finished reading the above, click on the back-arrow in the top left of the screen to return to the website and then navigate your way around as usual.

Village Meeting Thursday 1st September 7.30pm, Sellindge School

Please find below details of  the Village Meeting being held in the Sellindge School Hall on Thursday 1^st September at 7.30 pm. We have invited various people from Shepway DC, KCC and other local organisations to speak (briefly) to us about the various issues that are causing so much anxiety at present with the Press in attendance. The agenda is as follows:

1)      The Lorry Park including ideas of Paul Carter

2)    The crucial Shepway plans for the development of this village – plans that may radically change our environment and not necessarily for the better 

3)      The arrival of proposals for a substantial number of wind turbines

4)    The current situation regarding Otterpool Quarry and the role to be played by the Environment Agency in ensuring Countrystyle keep to existing laws in both building the plant and then if they achieve that in obtaining an operation permit.   

This village has earned the respect of many authorities. This is due to the remarkable extent of village support for demonstrations, meetings, surveys of opinion, voicing questions and concerns to KCC etc. and your general willingness to participate.

If we are to continue to influence local authorities and organisations, it is vital that we all maintain this consistent determination. Therefore please come to the Village Meeting, hear the latest re the above issues and have your say and/or vote for what you want. It is not an exaggeration to state that you really can influence what will happen here over the next twenty five years.

Kindest Regards

Ronald Lello

Chairman 

KCC: Minerals & Waste Sites Preferred Options - Consultation Reminder

From: Rachel.Cutler@kent.gov.uk [mailto:Rachel.Cutler@kent.gov.uk]
Sent: 09 July 2012 12:20
To: dave@davemotley.co.uk
Subject: Kent County Council: Minerals and Waste Sites Preferred Options - Consultation Reminder

Dear Consultee,

This email is to remind you that the following Kent Minerals and Waste Development Framework public consultations will close in two weeks on Monday 23 July 2012 at 5pm.

• Mineral Sites Plan ‘Preferred Options’ Stage Consultation
• Waste Sites Plan ‘Preferred Options’ Stage Consultation, and
• Minerals and Waste Sites - Preferred Options Evidence Base

The Mineral Sites and the Waste Sites Plans consultation at this ‘preferred options’ stage is the second time we have asked for your views in the process of preparing these plans. The responses from the 2011 site plans consultations at ‘options’ stage have assisted us in the site assessment and selection process, and are saved as part of the evidence base. Both documents now identify the sites that are considered to be the best and most sustainable sites needed by Kent for minerals and waste management up to the end of 2030. There are now 25 preferred option sites for mineral supply and 21 preferred option sites for waste management. The remaining sites are identified as ‘not allocated’.

We would like your views on these preferred options. The responses received from this second round of consultations will help us with the preparation of the final plans. You are invited to give us your views on:

1. what these documents should contain;
2. the proposed preferred option sites for minerals extraction and supply and waste management;
3. the sites not selected as preferred options;
4. the evidence base that has been prepared to inform the plans (including the draft Local Aggregate Assessment, the Waste Needs Assessment update, the accompanying Interim Sustainability Appraisal, the Habitat Regulations Assessment, the Strategic Flood Risk Assessments and details explaining how the site assessment process was carried out).

To submit your views we recommend that you use our online consultation portal at http://consult.kent.gov.uk/portal to inspect the consultation documents and evidence base topic papers, and the accompanying Sustainability Assessment Commentary and Habitat Regulations Assessment Report.

If you prefer, you can email your comments to mwdf@kent.gov.uk or write to us at: MWLP Project Team, Planning and Environment, Kent County Council, Invicta House, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XX. All submitted comments will be published on our online consultation portal.

You can inspect copies of the two main consultation documents at the main Kent County Council offices^[2], in Gateways, and in local libraries.

Please contact us at the addresses above or visit our website www.kent.gov.uk/mwdf for further information.

Yours faithfully

---

[2] Sessions House, Maidstone; Joynes House, Gravesend; Kroner House, Ashford; Kings Hill Office, West Malling; St. Peter's House, Broadstairs.

Otterpool Waste Site - take it off the preferred sites list...

From: Susan Carey
To: Margaret Ludlow
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 6:08 PM
Subject: Re: Otterpool waste site.
Hallo Margaret I do not know if the process of obtaining a licence from the Environment Agency will permanently delay Countrystyle starting their operations. I do know that they have plenty of hurdles to overcome to do so and they must also meet all the planning conditions. As for the site being on the preferred options list, I'm afraid that's no more than a recognition that the site has planning permission (albeit with lots of conditions) for a waste operation. We lost that particular battle and must concentrate on making sure that the EA does its job. I agree that housing is preferable to a waste plant but we don't have the choice. Do by all means respond to the consultation on the waste and mineral sites but don't expect to be able to overturn what has already happened through the planning process. Kind regards, Susan

On 10 Jul 2012, at 11:20, "Margaret Ludlow" wrote: 
Dear Susan I had a enormous file from KCC (URS) about the development at Otterpool. I went through it all and I know that they were granted permission to build their awful site at Otterpool. can this be changed in any way or permanently delayed with the help of the Environment agency?. Just recently they Airport Cafe has taken on more staff and open longer hours to cope with increased custom ,and if this waste plant goes ahead they will loose that plus all the other reasons nearly 2000 people do not want it there. Has any of this been taken into account? In an area of outstanding beauty non of this was mentioned in the long report. Please if it can be taken of the preferred sites list it would be wonderful. As Sellindge is down for more houses in the Shepway Core plan it would seem to me to be the lesser of two evils to have a small development in the Quarry and leave the green sites alone in Sellindge. Yours Sincerely Margaret Ludlow.

Otterpool - some Caravans have just arrived

From: Margaret Ludlow [mailto:mjludlow@toucansurf.com]
Sent: 15 July 2012 22:43
Subject: 15th July Otterpool

I wonder what this is about. Some of the caravans had just arrived. Click on the image below to enlarge it. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left corner of your screen to return to here.

MP sees work progress at £12m wastewater plant - see paragraph about Sellindge....

In the paragraph near the bottom of column one below it says ...... 

"During the visit, Mr Green also heard about a £2.3M investment at the nearby Sellindge treatment works" 

The article was published on 20th Septmebr 2012 in the Kentish express. To read the article more easily (enlarge the print) click on the image below. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen to return to the website and then navigate your way around as usual. Use the 'Home' page link in Section 1 to return to the start if you prefer. 

From: Mavis Turton <mavis.turton@btinternet.com> Subject: RE: Otterpool To: "NiallConnolly" <niall.connolly@environment-agency.gov.uk> Date: Thursday, 23 June, 2011, 17:37 Dear Niall, The main reason we are so concerned is that it was not known until a few hours before the application was passed, that there was so much contamination.  KCC did not seem to be able to answer technical questions put by our surveyor, so it might be that they do not have the necessary expertise themselves, and that is why I hoped that you yourselves might get involved.  I am afraid I do not have any trust in Countrystyle, who told us that we would have to go to the Outer Hebrides to see such a plant in operation, and I do not believe this to be true, Greenfinch operate sites much nearer.  You will understand that I fear that the clean up will not be properly done, because of the costs involved.  As I used to work in a large London building company, in the Estimating Department, I would have thought that Countrystyle could have shown you the cost item for the clean up their Bills of Quantities. Kind regards, Mavis --- On Thu, 23/6/11, Connolly, Niall <niall.connolly@environment-agency.gov.uk> wrote: From: Connolly, Niall <niall.connolly@environment-agency.gov.uk> Subject: RE: Otterpool To: "Mavis Turton" <mavis.turton@btinternet.com> Date: Thursday, 23 June, 2011, 17:12 Dear Ms. Turton Thank you for your email dated 6 June 2011, I’m sorry that due to illness I haven’t been able to reply to you sooner.   I appreciate your concern for the environment at Otterpool. We are aware of the reports that diesel and creosote were dumped on this site some time ago and understand the potential risk that this poses to the environment.   Kent County Council (KCC) decide whether a site is appropriate for a given development and whether a developer, in this case Countrystyle, is granted planning permission. We support them by offering technical advice on the environmental impact of a new proposal and the safeguards required to protect the environment.   KCC are addressing the potential risks posed to the environment from the development at Otterpool through a series of conditions on the planning permission. They are responsible for ensuring these conditions are met.   The conditions associated with potential contamination are detailed in Section 14 to 17 of the decision notice. To meet these conditions Countrystyle, the developer must  provide evidence to KCC that they have correctly investigated the site, assessed the risk from all potential sources of contamination and undertaken appropriate clean up work.   To help decide whether these conditions have been met,  KCC will seek our technical opinion on how Countrystyle have carried out all these steps in dealing with contamination and, specifically, if they correctly manage risks to groundwater. Their own environmental health officers will advise on risks to human health and property.   I hope this helps to explain how the Environment Agency will be involved in the work at this site. If you wish to see information about how these risks are being managed you will find copies of all of the reports on KCC’s public register.   Kind Regards Niall Connolly Planning Liaison Officer 01732 223 111 Environment Agency, Orchard House, Endeavour Park, London Road, Addington, Kent ME19 5SH From: Mavis Turton [mailto:mavis.turton@btinternet.com] Sent: 06 June 2011 14:31 To: Connolly, Niall Subject: RE: Otterpool Dear Niall, I thought you might like to know that a delegation from The Sellindge Residents' Association were  invited to a meeting with Kent County Council's Planning Officers last week, and Mr Les Barratt, who is a qualified surveyor on our team, reported that there did not appear to be anyone representative of KCC who had any technical expertise. I am very worried about how the developer will be made to clean up contaminated soil at the Otterpool Quarry site, before construction commences.  It is reported that subsequent to the quarrying work finishing, approximately 30,000 gallons of waste diesel and creosote were dumped at the site, this being several years ago. The soil still smells of it.  It obviously contravenes everything DEFRA stands for, and I know that when a site is contaminated, or there is any overspill from the site into other land, the owner of the land has to pay for the taking away and cleaning up of the offending soil.  It may be that the oil was dumped there illegally and without authorisation.  My friend had the Environment Agency come to her house a while ago, (not near the Otterpool Quarry), because a farmer reported a smell of home heating fuel in his field.  My friend was told that if her fuel tank had leaked, she would have to pay for the clean-up.  Fortunately, it was not  her tank causing the problem. Reading the Environment Agency's permission  for work to go ahead, it states that the developer, Countrystyle, has to clean up spoil relating to the previous use of the site, namely quarrying.  It does not state that the developer has to completely clean the site of all contamination, from whatever source. I personally do not trust the developer to do this, as at the first meeting they attended at the Village Hall, they stated that there were only two other such waste sites, one in the Outer Hebrides, and the other in Northern Europe somewhere.  They really did not want us to be able to visit one of these facilities to see what was involved.  Greenfinch, another company dealing with waste, has at least one other in Nottingham, which we would happily have gone to see. I am very anxious that Defra and the Environment Agency should oversee the cleaning up properly.  It appears that KCC is the one to enforce your rules, but I do not think they truly know how to monitor this.  We really need someone from a government office to help us in this. I would be very glad of your help and advice on this matter.  The villagers are absolutely distraught that planning was granted, especially as there will be pollution from an extra 43,000 lorry movements per year through our village. KCC lost us forty million pounds in investing in the Icelandic Bank fiasco, and they seem petrified of refusing any development plan which could go to appeal.  Sharon Thompson, Head of Planning, stated that if the application was refused and went to appeal, it could cost KCC a "lot of money".  Recently, they allowed a planning application to a company allowing it to quarry for stone in an ancient woodland.  I doubt whether ANY application that could go to appeal will be refused, even though in our case, the Parish Council, the local District Council, the Kent County Councillor for Shepway, and our Member of Parliament,  Folkestone Racecourse, and many other businesses objected to the waste facility being allowed.  There was a petition signed by 96% of the local people as well. This seems to me to breach our human rights, and any vestige of Democracy is thrown out of the window.  It also seems very wrong that we, as a "third party" have no right of appeal. I was very sad to see that a member of our Residents' Association has put their house up for sale, and we have considered doing likewise, after living here for forty six years.  I myself have vowed never to vote again in any election, as it counts for nothing. I came to this decision after witnessing what went on at the metting at County Hall, when planning was passed for something nobody wanted, at least not in a village setting.  At 73 years of age, I have voted in every election since I came of age. With kindest regards, Mavis --- On Fri, 13/5/11, Connolly, Niall <niall.connolly@environment-agency.gov.uk> wrote: From: Connolly, Niall <niall.connolly@environment-agency.gov.uk> Subject: RE: Otterpool To: "Mavis Turton" <mavis.turton@btinternet.com> Date: Friday, 13 May, 2011, 10:05 Dear Ms Turton Sorry to hear that! I'm sure it's fine to open, however if you have any difficulties just let me know Kind Regards Niall Connolly From: Mavis Turton [mailto:mavis.turton@btinternet.com] Sent: 12 May 2011 18:04 To: Connolly, Niall Subject: Re: Otterpool Click here to report this email as spam. Dear Mr Connolly, Thank you for your letter.  However, as I was about to download it, a virus notice came up, so I was not prepared to open it. I shall forward this to someone who may know how to avaid the virus detected notice, but if not, I hope I amy come back to you Regards, Mavis Turton --- On Thu, 12/5/11, Connolly, Niall <niall.connolly@environment-agency.gov.uk> wrote: From: Connolly, Niall <niall.connolly@environment-agency.gov.uk> Subject: Otterpool To: mavis.turton@btinternet.com Cc: "Rigg, Karen" <KRIGG@environment-agency.gov.uk> Date: Thursday, 12 May, 2011, 11:17 Dear Ms Turton Further to your freedom of information request, please find attached correspondence on the Otterpool application. Kind Regards Niall Connolly Planning Liaison Officer 01732 223 111 Environment Agency, Orchard House, Endeavour Park, London Road, Addington, Kent ME19 5SH Information in this message may be confidential and may be legally privileged. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify the sender immediately, delete it and do not copy it to anyone else. We have checked this email and its attachments for viruses. But you should still check any attachment before opening it. We may have to make this message and any reply to it public if asked to under the Freedom of Information Act, Data Protection Act or for litigation.  Email messages and attachments sent to or from any Environment Agency address may also be accessed by someone other than the sender or recipient, for business purposes. If we have sent you information and you wish to use it please read our terms and conditions which you can get by calling us on 08708 506 506.  Find out more about the Environment Agency at www.environment-agency.gov.uk

KCC asks the Public for their views on waste and minerals consultation

KCC published an article on their website on 31st may 2011 on the above topic. It starts as follows: 

"Your views count! Kent County Council is making a call for action to help determine future waste and mineral activities in the county. We want to hear from local residents and businesses as their views are vital.".........

To read more, click on the top link of Section 2 in the right-hand column, entitled 'KCC asks the Public for their views on waste and minerals consultation'.

Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen to return to here.