Medway Developer Contributions and Obligations Guide
8.1 Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Scheme (SAMMS)
8.1.1 Much of the estuary and marshes along the north Kent coast on the Thames, Medway and Swale are designated Special Protection Areas (SPA), or Ramsar sites. This is in recognition of their international significance for wintering birds, in particular waders and waterfowl. Comment
8.1.2 Research commissioned by the North Kent Environmental Planning Group found that there have been marked declines in the numbers of birds using the SPAs, in particular those locations with high levels of public access. The research demonstrated that 75% of visitors surveyed had travelled from within 6km. A series of strategic mitigation measures to reduce bird disturbance caused by recreational visitors to the SPAs and Ramsar sites is delivered by Bird Wise North Kent. The Bird Wise North Kent Mitigation Strategy is supported by the north Kent planning authorities, and endorsed by Natural England in addressing this aspect of potential impact to the Special Protection Areas. Comment
8.1.3 A SAMMS contribution of £337.49 will apply to any new dwelling created within the 6km zone of influence of the protected sites. In some circumstances, the tariff will apply up to 10km. The council applies the tariff to all new residential developments within the defined zone and criteria of the strategic scheme, including those under 10 dwellings. This sum is index linked and subject to annual review. Development in close proximity to the designated areas and of particular scale will be assessed at planning application stage for additional contributions to mitigations. Comment
8.2 Policy/evidence base
Footprint Ecology, ‘Bird Disturbance Study North Kent 2010/2011 Comment
Footprint Ecology, ‘North Kent Visitor Survey Results Comment
Footprint Ecology, ‘Thames Medway Swale Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Scheme’ Comment
Medway Council Interim Policy Statement – Strategic Access Management and Mitigation 2015 Comment
Further information on Bird Disturbance in north Kent Comment
