Representation by David M Davison
- Date submitted
- 13 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I object to the the subject planning application for the reasons detailed below. 1) Swanscombe Peninsula is a unique open mosaic of coastal habitats, grasslands, scrub and wetlands which have developed as a result of the site’s complex human history. As someone who lives on a peninsula, I appreciate the importance of the habitats Swanscombe Peninsula provides. 2) Swanscombe Peninsula has recently won SSSI designation and we must protect our most important wildlife sites from being lost. The area supports over 250 invertebrate species of conservation concern - including the critically endangered distinguished jumping spider, which is found on only one other site in the UK - and is home to nationally rare and endangered bees, spiders, beetles, wasps (along with a host of other invertebrates which make the site of national importance). 3) The Peninsula is rich in breeding birds and they include 15 red-listed Birds of Conservation Concern and 12 Species of Principal Importance (including Marsh harriers, Bearded tit, Nightingales and Black redstart). 4) The area also contains locally important populations of reptiles, bats, water vole and otter. 5) There are also 13 nationally scarce vascular plant species which have been found at Swanscombe Peninsula and they include 5 red-listed species (e.g. the Man orchid). 6) The Swanscombe Peninsula in its current form is also important to people for mental and physical health reasons. As a keen walker, I had planned to visit the Peninsula but the pandemic hit; and, as a keen walker, I know the importance of such places - which are becoming fewer - for my mental and physical health. 7) We hear repeatedly that wildlife across the country is in drastic decline, and that it is more important than ever to spare our national treasures such as the Swanscombe Peninsula. We MUST value our precious wildlife more than we do a theme park.