* Planning proposals should consider the issues of climate change (as crops can be a source of bio-energy) and the need for supporting agriculture to the UK economy and Food security. The Agriculture Bill 2019-20 is currently being read in parliament * An environmental and habitat survey should also be included to understand the effect of development and if net gains can be made. Light pollution should be a consideration as BMV is situated in dark areas and is open to more rigorous protection

It is noted that this policy is to be amended "for clarity and effectiveness". However, it is not clear what will constitute "significant development" for the purposes of applying this policy and how the national resource of best and most versatile agricultural land will be safeguarded going forward. Over time, cumulative loss of small scale parcels of land will be as damaging as "significant" development. This policy should be further amended to define "significant" development and to take cum

How can this Plan make an exception to allow development of Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land? The proposed developments on farmland will result in irreversible loss of significant high quality agricultural land at a time when the country needs to be more dependant upon its own food productivity. What research has been done to show the likely impact on Thanet's water supply, and impact upon loss of rainwater perculation to underlyiing soils, to Thanet's coastal geology and impact on its