Representation by J Arscott
- Date submitted
- 12 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I grew up near Swanscombe & feel strongly about the proposed development of the marshes. The area is a mix of coastal, scrub, grassland & wetlands & provides an essential habitat for many species of wildlife in an area not particularly known for it's wild landscapes. It should be an SSSI because it is home to some 250 invertebrate species including rare & endangered bees, wasps, beetles & spiders (including the Distinguished jumping spider which is Critically Endangered & only found in one other location). It is a superb breeding bird habitat - home to many red-listed birds of Conservation Concern & Principal Importance. It has Marsh Harriers! That fact alone should save it from development. The amount of wildlife living in what developers undoubtedly call "wasteland", in an area of the country which is already being built upon in an unsustainable way, should be reason enough to leave it alone. If a theme park is really needed in the UK then surely it should be in the north of England as part of the so-called Northern Powerhouse vision. It is not needed in the over-crowded south east. What is needed is retention & protection of our open spaces, natural habitats & dwindling wildlife. The people of the south east deserve to see Marsh Harriers in their local area.