Landmark green spaces meeting to be held this week

Residents can have their say at gathering

A landmark meeting will take place in the battle to save Tenterden’s countryside as it is revealed that 100 acres of green space is at risk.

The shocking statistic is at the top of the agenda of an exhibition and consultation of Tenterden Selective Neighbourhood Plan and residents are being urged to attend to hear the steps being taken to protect the town from over-development - and to have their say.

More than 3,000 leaflets were delivered to homes in Tenterden earlier this month to inform people of the milestone St Mildred’s church meeting on Saturday.

Richard Masefield, chairman of the selective neighbourhood plan steering committee, will outline the work that has taken place so far, involving five different groups who have been tasked with assessing land suitable for local green space designation on behalf of Tenterden Town Council.

Areas such as Rogersmead wood, countryside off Westwell Court and Coombe Lane cemetery, are among more than 30 sites identified as being of great value because of their particular beauty, historical significance, wildlife, or recreational importance.

The working groups have been split up to examine different areas such as biodiversity and wildlife, routeways and landscape character in Tenterden.

Biodiversity and wildlife studies have led to recordings of 915 plant and animal species in Tenterden since May, included rare bats, endangered birds and wild polecats, while the working group commissioned ecological surveys of eight sites in the town, with a report stating the town’s “rich array of ancient habitats” is unusual.

The routeways working group is seeking to protect historic pathways that radiate from the town centre to the countryside and has discovered that in last four years, 700 metres of green paths have been lost to development, with gated cul-de-sacs, such as at Townsfield Court, blocking access to the surrounding countryside.

A green space group meanwhile has been mapping, surveying and photographing every green space in or near the communities of Tenterden, St Michaels and Smallhythe.

‘We are keen to hear what residents think of the progress we have made...’