Representation by Maria Therese Williams
- Date submitted
- 20 February 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
As a resident of [] for over 23 years I have witnessed the development of a major retail park which gridlocks our area for weeks every Christmas, an international rail station and tens of thousands of dwellings. I believe that the wellbeing of our residents and our natural environment must take precedence when assessing the principles of allowing the development of a Theme Park. My main concern is the millions of visitors the proposed Theme Park will endeavour to attract to our already congested area of Kent. We do not have the capacity to safely increase the infrastructure and the air pollution the vehicles will bring will add to that already caused by the Dartford Crossing. Our community deserves to be protected from the dangers of heavy traffic and to have their quality of life preserved if not improved. Another major concern is of contributing towards the possible failure to uphold the UK’s policy in halting biodiversity loss by allowing the destruction of the nature reserve, grass and marshlands which are currently home to 1,992 species of invertebrates including 250 of conservation concern. Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council and Dartford Borough Council have a duty to enhance and protect the biodiversity of our home and we have already lost much open space, forcing wildlife into our houses as their habitats are bulldozed. Greening the Thames Gateway includes wildlife protection. Our authorities promised to conserve and protect areas of nature. The UK recognises the urgency to promote areas of conservation interest and our peninsula is recognised as one such area. Our community is entitled to have our wellbeing protected. I urge our powers-that-be not to allow our nature to be undervalued in their decision making. The strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem recognises the urgency to stop the loss of biodiversity, the destruction of wildlife habitats and, therefore, maintain ecosystems for keeping our planet healthy; keeping us alive. Not only does nature provide much needed fresh air, relaxation and beauty, it is vital to the understanding of genetic information and sustainability of life. These areas are vital for the health of our planet and the education of future generations. It would be more beneficial to our community to invest in the educational and psychological benefits of the marshland; embrace and enhance its beauty and value rather than to concrete a tidal flood zone for a superficial theme park experience. We would do better to promote our rich history to attract environmentally respectful visitors. Human life depends on protecting other species of life from extinction. Amongst the hundreds of species living on the peninsula is the Critically Endangered Distinguished jumping spider which can only be found in one other area in the U.K. We need to protect our peninsula and its inhabitants. We deserve more than the promise of mediocre jobs too. With the on-going development threatening our open space and air quality, causing an overpopulated, highly trafficked area, we desperately need this gem by the Thames to be respected and protected.