Written question asked by Derek Wyatt (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 January 2004. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 January 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to remove the special landscape area designation for the North Kent Marshes, with particular reference to Elmley; and if she will make a statement. - (Holding answer 19 January 2004).

Answer: Mr. Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to remove the special landscape area designation for the North Kent Marshes, with particular reference to Elmley; and if she will make a statement. [148726] Mr. Morley: [holding answer 19 January 2004]: Elmley is in the North Kent Marshes Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA), which was first designated in 1993. The ESA contains grazing marsh habitat that is internationally important for over-wintering and breeding birds and there are no plans to remove the ESA designation which has been successful in safeguarding these interests. New agri-environment schemes are being developed so that we can build on these achievements and enhance biodiversity.

Secondary information