Question 3 Do you have any comments/observations on any environmental/landscape/wildlife concerns? Please detail: (all comments are given in full as submitted except in three cases which were very long and the full quotation is below the table) Summary of responses given below: 40 responders commented specifically to support the Plan, 11 had nothing further to add to the plan while 41 made no comments so in view of the question silence indicates the plan says all it needs to do, giving ‘92 contents’ in total. There were 18 more specific comments, one of which was concerned about engaging the RSPB which has been done, 2 on concerns about cycle paths but most on particular local concerns or emphasising the good environmental and wild life features to be preserved. There was a third grouping of 12 comments on the balance between wild life and human use of the land scape three quarters of which feel the emphasis is too heavily on wild life In support of the Plan Detailed concerns Balance between wild life and human activity Partnership Comment 1 I strongly with the current policy I am slightly concerned that RSPB are not fully involved Wildlife appears to be getting priority over river conservation all along the Alde and Ore (Havergate Island/Lantern marshes/Hazelwood marshes etc.). Perhaps this is being taken too far and a deeper look should be taken at the risk of loss of navigability due to this strategy. The RSPB not only have a voting member of the Partnership representing them but also have been involved in a number of discussions. The compatibility of their policies is further clarified in the final plan (see page 24). 2 3. Happy to accept minor risks to the environment that this plan may cause; benefits of plan to residents and visitors are substantial and more important Please keep the path along the top of the river wall as natural as possible - no paving - and discourage cyclists. I consider that FAR TOO MUCH consideration is given to wildlife at the expense of the general environment, and I say that as a long term member of the RSPB. A cycle path along the Aldeburgh wall (FC10) is only a possibility and would be in addition to the footpath. The paths do get very muddy and dangerous and paths with a high footfall may be improved with some form of ‘paving’ as is being trial at Martlesham Creek.
help to avoid that again, is very much welcomed. aspects of tourism’ (for details see footnote 3 below table). ‘no changes in the present navigation regime should be implemented in pursuit of tourist-related economic gain.’ 13 I think the AOEP plan is excellent on this and other points. I fully support it. Not really, I can't beyond my house. 14 The wild life, and fauna, are very special to the area. The landscape is unique. The ideas to have monitoring plans and review the estuary plan from time to time seem sensible. Concerned about the effect on Snape Marsh if the inner wall option is chosen. Plans for the Snape scheme will be discussed with the community very shortly. 15 Reasonable compromise, Protect wildlife as far as possible is a great deal of reed bed and saltings at the upper end of Butley Creek. This has all been turned into a closed bird reserve, managed by the RSPB. If "spreading room" is instigated here under the new coastal path regime all the good work of the last twenty years will be lost. Saltings are now increasing in the upper reaches of Butley Creek, and this helps the sea defences 16 The current river walls and the estuary provide lovely habitats for wading birds and the surrounding Haven and Minsmere provide further marsh habitats. The river is an essential feature of coasts and heaths scenery in that it provides sailing and racing that is not available anywhere north of us - up until the Broads. The RSPB (I think) and EA has a reed bed marsh up stream of the big sluice gates. It is dammed off so they can control the water height in the marsh area. The dam/bank is I believe to be 0.9 meters. I cannot see how damming off acres of flood plain in an area that floods can be seen as a good idea? 17 It is the visual impact of the high wall to conserve the wetlands. Note worthy features of Iken to preserve, see note 2 below