MINUTES STOUR AND ORWELL ESTUARY MANAGEMENT GROUP
Date
Place
Time:
Attendees:
Chair:
Wednesday 15th January 2014
Tomlin House Felixstowe Docks
10.00 -13.00
Alex Cooper (RSPB), Robert Wheatley (PoF), Trazar Astley-Reid (SCHU), Abigail Singleton
(EA), Alan Garnham (EIFCA) Alex Senechal (KEIFCA) Simon Amstutz ( AONB), Jerry Coleman
(ABP), Emma Hay (NE), Neil Fuller (NE), Chris Edwards (RYA), Henry Bexley (NT), Jim Warner
(HHA), Merle Leeds (EA), Ed Boyle (IBC),Rob Wise (NFU), Andy Excell (SWT), Nicky Spurr
(ECC), Richard Wrinch ( Landowner and PC rep for Shotley and Chelmondiston), Stacey Mayer
(MMO), Ryan Jones (BDC) Eden Hanlan (EIFCA), Lucy Williams (SCDC), Clive Dawson
(Tendring DC), Jacquie Smith
Karen Thomas (EA)
Item
Points and Actions
1.
Welcome and Apologies, AOB requests:
Apologies: Bill Parker (SCDC), Jane Burch (JBu) (SCC); Sam Stewart (NE), Lynda Gilbert
SCDC
Request: to review update on channel deepening
Review of Terms of Reference (TOR) – KT
TOR exist for regulators group but have not been updated in the last 16 years. Terms of
reference are needed for the S&O EMG for the purposes of: future funding; Chairs position,
time limit and role; to include membership of the group; to be able to share information with
parishes to address openness and transparency; JW expressed the need to update the TOR
for the regulators group to reflect the new monitoring regime.
TAR to write draft Terms of Reference for next meeting.
Comments about content of TOR to TAR by the end of February please
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Action
(who)
TAR
ALL
HHA Update on monitoring & next regulators group meeting – JW
HHA annual report will be ready by the end of February showing Accounts and Benthic
monitoring. A final summary will be produced before the annual report and the Regulators
group meeting 29th of April.
ABPmer dredging report summary – JC
The current dredging report is now ready for circulation covering the period 28.5.13 to 5.6.13. A
license to dredge 80,000 cubic metres was granted approx, 38,000 was dredged in the Lower
Orwell, less than expected. Also digital photos were taken of graduated stakes, 18 each side of
the river before and after dredging, to assess erosion rates and spoil spread. A further license
to dredge has been awarded for after Easter for up to 100,000 tons. Again that amount of
accretion is not expected. Details of the dredging report will be put on the AONB website with a
link sent to everyone.
S & O review - TAR
This is a review of the management scheme and management strategy. The earlier public has
been finalised. The current review is for completion in late 2014. Copies of the review are in the
documents for the meeting, or available from Trazar. Comments about the survey to Trazar by
the end of February also please.
Comments from the meeting: Add a section for PCs to respond to (RW); Request to change
Noise from boats to power boats and PWCs (CE)
Funding The Suffolk Estuaries Officer Post into the future- SA
In light of the MPA review regarding EMS sites officers funding there may be reductions in
funding from partners in the Defra family. This will come to light in January 2014. The Suffolk
Estuaries Officer has drawn in £200K in project funding in the last 4 years into the Suffolk
estuaries. Many areas and organisations benefit from this post. The AONB budget is being
reduced and funds will be needed to fill this void. The S&O EMG partners need to explore
potential funds. Suggestions made were: Ask RFCC, NGOs, SWT, Eastern & Kent and Essex
IFCA who currently do not contribute financially. SA will contact partners to for contributions.
Offers from organisations to SA
TAR
ALL
SA and
ALL
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7.
8.
9.
Coastal Concordant – AS
The Coastal Concordat is an agreement between NE, EA, EH, MMO, DCLG, LGA, DFT and
Defra to reduce red tape and improve the interaction between marine and terrestrial planning
and other regulation. The aim is to have a single point of contact, agree a lead authority to
coordinate information requested regulatory authorities for EIAs and HRAs for licenses
planning permissions, agreed evidence requirement for pre application and provide
coordinated advice to applicants. This should avoid duplication. It is thought that the S&O EMG
are already doing this, but it is a formal agreement from government organisation to work better
together. Abi to send slides/ and link to the Coastal Concordat on Defra’s website to TAR for
circulation with the minutes to the group.
AS and
TAR
Flooding - KT
On 5th and 6th Dec 2013 there was a significant flood event, which was greater than 1953
flood in some locations. There were 33 severe flood warnings and 70 flood warnings. See EA
briefing report attached. The priority for the EA is carrying our repairs to protect people and
property at risk. Most of the rural breached walls were repaired before Christmas in working
with the IDBs and landowners. The EA is also looking at freshwater sites that were inundated,
which are challenging to repair because of difficulty in accessing the sites. During the
emergency response period following the surge repairs to defences were able to be carried
out. However, we are no longer considered to be in emergency response and work requires a
Flood defence Consent and possibly an MMO license (if below MHWS). The EA are trying to
help process flood defence consent quickly as possible.
Hill House Shotley– ML
Post the December storm interim works are needed to secure the wall for the short term whilst
the MR project is taken forward. HLS payments and complications with the footpath need to be
addressed asap. The footpath has been badly damaged due to overtopping along the whole
length of the wall. Rights of Way Routes need to be considered for an alternative permanent
route as soon as possible. Issue to be taken to Babergh rights of way meeting.
Merle Leeds will report back to the group on progress
Another problem from the flooding is detritus that has been dumped behind the wall by the
surge. Solution may be to leave the organic matter to rot naturally and gradually pick up the
non-organic. Suggestions: LA providing skips? (KT), Scouts litter pick (AE) AONB clean-up.
Also any funding from SCC for right of way for the surface of the footpath? (NS)
ML
The breach at Levington has fast flows through the breach and the marsh behind the breach
which makes access to repair the breach difficult. The landowner is looking at costs, estimating
£50,000 - £80,000 to repair the breach.
KT and TAR were asked at a Levington PC meeting to ask for any funding contribution
possibilities from S&O EMG partners. Plastic sheet piling is not a solution, as the breach in the
wall is too deep The land owner is gathering options and quotes. The footpath is a priority route
for RoW SCC and the AONB. Using a helicopter to place bags of material to fill the breach is
being explored. Another solution is to half fill with clay initially (KT).The HLS payments may be
affected for this site but there is uncertainty about these schemes. A Marine Licenses may be
needed from MMO for repairs. It was raised that the MMO and EA need to see if they can put a
process in place to allow landowners and individuals to carry out repairs without being held up
by licensing following a significant event like we have just had. The EA are looking at this.
Stacey Mayer MMO asked to take back to MMO and Defra the need for a better way to enable
individuals to respond to flood events (KT).
400 kms of the coast were affected by floods, 170 kms of estuary. 1.5 km was breached and
more overtopped. MMO response at officer level is good but national policy response needs
improving (KT). Are Suffolk MPs responding to flood eventsit has been raised in discussions in
Parliament (SA) Levington PC has written to Andy Smith (political engagement).
Watch for further high tides at the beginning of February (JC) JC has tracked the surge and
provided a graph. The time lag needs to be understood and advertised for people further up
river (CE) The flood gates at Ipswich saved parts of the town from flooding however some
flooding occurred due to the drains backing up at Ipswich Dock (JC).
Trimley SWT reserve Flooding – AE
Consequences of the flooding : damage to the inner side of walls and overtopping of the dock
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wall with debris on top; some farmland damage; damage to bridleway; board walk removed;
visitor centre 3ft in water; some fish killed in the dyke. Freshwater behind a bund for the bird
hide survived.
AONB boundary review - SA
The process to incorporate the South shore of the Stour into the AONB has been ongoing for
20 years. NE designates AONB boundaries. SCH AONB has had a formal boundary review
request accepted by the NE board in December 2013. Some informal consultation has taken
place with landowners and interested parties but a formal consultation will be part of the
process which could take up to three years while NE consider the evidence and undertake the
consultation before a recommendation is taken to the Secretary of State. SA to send candidate
area map of AONB boundary review for distribution.
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Update
Pinmill – HB
Issues are; access problems; stored waste; debris; planning application for a jetty with new
homes (Babergh policy is no jetties - RB). Also see Pin Mill agenda doc. for details. The Pin
Mill Management Company, established in the last 3 years can charge for moorings but it does
not cover the whole area. It was agreed that TAR would organise a meeting of Ipswich
Borough Council, BDC, NT, ABP, EA and AONB also with NE and MMO may need to involve
environmental health and waste management to resolve issues. TAR to organise meeting to
establish a way forward.
There is a need to address the issue of river hulks (18 at Felixstowe Ferry-JC) and houseboats
generally. The Deben Estuary Partnership will have in their plan a policy for houseboats that
could be used in other estuaries (KT). The Blackwater have a plan for houseboats that could
be viewed as an example (NS).
Shore Lane – TAR
It was noted by SA and others that there had been local concern at the Shore Lane project.
Concerns included access, parking and the condition of Shore Lane. It has been suggested
that the Shore Lane scheme had contributed to issues. Following discussion of the project KT
requested a show of hands to indicate continuing support for this project. There were no
arguments against continuing the project expressed. It was agreed that a 1 hour site meeting
with KT, SA, NF and TAR be offered to the concerned individual.
The monitoring of the beach, mudflats and saltmarsh shows recovery post insertion of barriers
in June 2012, via restricting car access to the beach. Some issues are unresolved the barriers
need replacing by the PC using the funds left over from the grant, this is the wish of the PC.
The S&O EMG voted to endorse that the barriers remain in place; A one side of A4 briefing
note needs compiling and issuing.
Car park issue addressed by a meeting of the Parish Representatives: Glyn Graves, Margaret
Townsend and Dave Tucker, TAR and Jim Bartley ECC, Clive Dawson TDC and Neil Fuller
NE.
A meeting on site of KT, SA and TAR to offer a 1 hour meeting to the concerned individual.
Shotley Gate – TAR
The Gabions survived the surge. An inspection of the site was undertaken by Andrew Hawes
who was pleased with the lack of movement. An extension of gabions is needed towards the
Bristol Arms to strengthen pilings (RW). The path behind had some damage but was repaired
by local volunteers. Volunteers have also established a viewing platform set back in the woods
above, which is an excellent local amenity (TAR). The picnic site has been improved and an
RSPB board set up (AC).
MMO and NE have taken a pragmatic approach to the gabion works. The project needs more
fund raising for Phase III
Mistley – TAR
The installed fence has reduced swans on the road Signs have been erected to stop feeding of
swans on the sward. The green sward of grass is recovering from the swans and clearing
leaves from the grass. A press release next week (see doc. in meeting notes), will inform that
swans are not going to be fed further post April 2014. The swans need monitoring. TAR to
ALL
SA
TAR
KT &
NS to
send
NF and
others
TAR &
NF
PC to
organise
SA
TAR
TAR
AC
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attend PC meeting in January.
Ed
Boyle
RSPB – Webs data analysis – AC
Distribution monitoring and feeding sites data is not matching between SWT and RSPB. A
volunteer will be collating data over a 6 month period. AC to bring data to the September S&O
EMG meeting.
Bait Digging – JS/TAR
A Bait digging meeting at Manningtree between AONB, IFCA, NE and commercial bait diggers
agreed on adherence to the code of conduct for a further year. A Bait digging meeting at
Manningtree between AONB, IFCA, NE and commercial bait diggers agreed on adherence to
the code of conduct for a further year. If this is not satisfactory then a bylaw will be pursued. In
addition to this, Natural England will work with IFCA and partners to assist compliance through
regulatory processes (NF/EH). AONB, IBC, RSPB and SWT volunteers will monitor bait
digging. The Orwell Country Park site is a hot spot that especially needs monitoring. Ed Boyle
to feedback to TAR on how IBC will monitor OCP
Permission to bait dig by commercial bait diggers should be sought from Ipswich Borough
Council and The Crown Estate, who own the land. Bait diggers can earn up to £50K a year.
The impact of the bait digging code of conduct is an example of the value through funding of
the Estuary Officer. Bait digging has been reduced at the Trimley reserve. A combination of
press and pressure by the Estuary Officer has made it work.
12
13.
Minutes and Update Actions
1. Post meeting notes – explanation of by law
2. Ports cannot contribute to inter-tidal work if it does not create compensatory land for
them (KT). HHA (JW) in discussion with SWT about spoil from dredging for Managed
Realignment projects. Channel deepening agreed by MMO. 2 months for the
programme issues need to be raised now. Clay available for bund work, for salt marsh,
marinas. Requests to JW
3. Updates on Actions. Questions before meeting sent to Trazar after individually
reviewing Actions before next meeting.
Issues identified are: biodiversity and monitoring.
Helicopter disturbance (EH) NE have collated evidence to illustrate disturbance cause
by helicopters MOD for the Deben, Alde and Ore and S & O in February. EH requested
any evidence on helicopter disturbance, times, date, direction of travel, with photos if
possible. This will help to establish a protocol. Should the MOD be a member of the
S&O EMG? (NS)
Round table
 Stacey (MMO) are submitting to the Secretary of State the final draft of the Marine Plan
following a change to minimise staged process, have continuity of language
throughout the document and address in Suffolk ports, anchorages and the public
process.
 Jerry will inform of the dredging campaign for 2015
 IFCA report from Judith Stoutt to include a poster campaign, a look at Suffolk Rivers
and lobster exploitation. Is there a fisheries effect of salt marsh drowning? (KT) as
Saltmarshes benefit fisheries as nursery habitat.
 HB raised about EA contact for information on Sluice inspection in Northey Island
Essex contact Helen Morgan in the EA Asset Performance Team (KT)
 MCZ in the Stour & Orwell has been removed
 The S&O EMG Forum is scheduled for Thursday 17th July at 10pm possibly Suffolk
Food Hall. Sponsors requested (KT) AONB (SA) offered. Possible theme – Flooding /
Emergency Planning.
TAR
JW,
SWT
and All
ALL and
EH
JC
EH
KT
S&O Meeting 23rd April 2014 venue 1912 Centre
(details here; http://www.harwichconnexions.co.uk/cms/1912-centre.html )
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