Representation by Lucy Williams
- Date submitted
- 12 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am very much opposed to the destruction of the SSSI on the Swanscombe Peninsula as, in addition to being of national significance, this marshland is locally very important to the people living in the area and to the whole Thames estuary area. The marshes are hugely important for migratory and resident species. Having sailed up the Thames and crossed this area many times on the train to London I am very aware of what an oasis in an otherwise urban area it is. This area will also be severely affected by sea level rise so is short-sighted from that perspective as well. I accept that some people will be pleased to have a theme park on their doorsteps but these places can be built anywhere - and the former airport site at Manston in Kent would be one suitable place. The greatest benefit will go to the developers and the profits will not be distributed in the local area. Building such a retrogressive development on one of the few green field sites close to London is unconscionable and the space is not big enough to divide into a space for wildlife and a space for the theme park. Constructing the site would also require a great deal of local disturbance and carbon release during the construction. The natural space at Swanscombe is quite literally irreplaceable.