Representation by Maxine Clift
- Date submitted
- 12 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I totally object to the utilisation of Swanscombe for this purpose. Yet again the planning department appears to put the environment and a nationally important site as second best to development. This is totally unacceptable given the decimation we have seen over the years of our natural countryside and threats to species and habitat. If this approval goes ahead then it runs contradictory to the governments green plan and all uK efforts to reduce Co2 and protect and enhance our environment. Swanscombe is a unique open mosaic of coastal habitats, grasslands, scrub and wetlands that have developed as a result of the site’s complex human history. Swanscombe supports over 250 invertebrate species of conservation concern, including the Critically Endangered Distinguished jumping spider (Attulus distinguendus), which is found on only one other site in the UK. Swanscombe is home to nationally rare and endangered bees, spiders, beetles, wasps and a host of other invertebrates that make the site of national importance. Its rich breeding bird assemblage includes 15 red-listed Birds of Conservation Concern and 12 Species of Principal Importance- including Marsh harriers, Bearded tit, Nightingales and Black redstart. 13 nationally scarce vascular plant species have been found at Swanscombe, including 5 red-listed species such as the Man orchid. It also has locally important populations of reptiles, bats, Water vole and Otter. A detailed rationale for the SSSI designation of the Swanscombe Peninsula which was presented to Natural England in February 2021 and can be seen here https://cdn.buglife.org.uk/2021/02/Swanscombe-SSSI-rationale-Feb-2021.pdf As a result Natural England have recommended Swanscombe be declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest - who agree that we must protect our most important wildlife sites from being lost. Whilst I don't live live locally to Swanscombe- I have spent many delightful times in the past walking around and spending time on the Peninsula; enjoying the wildlife and the natural habitat it supports. I am extremely concerned that wildlife across the country is in drastic decline across the UK, and that it is more important than ever to protect such nationally important sites. The fact that the Swanscombe Peninsula is even being considered as a suitable site for a theme park is totally unacceptable. I expect our planning inspectorate to help the public to protect our habitat and wildlife over and above profit and inappropriate development such as this. Please do not go ahead and support this application.