Representation by Martha Harwood
- Date submitted
- 20 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The plan to develop on Swanscombe marshes is nonsensical. Firstly, London is already a highly developed area, and I fail to see how further development will improve the economic or touristic prospects of the areas, especially where business brought by the London Resort will be diverting from the local businesses in the area. Secondly, it has been claimed that the area is an "empty brownfield site." I would like to counter this by highlighting the environmental importance of this area, which is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It provides valuable and varied habitat for rare birds, insects and plants, on top of reptiles and mammals. In a world that is ever more threatened by climate change and environmental destruction, it is ridiculous to destroy an area that supports biodiversity. I am sure that I am not alone in having found both physical and mental space in nature, especially where lockdown has limited our travel. Please consider this: once the habitat is destroyed there is no hope of regaining it, or any of the species that once lived there. Yes, there are other green spaces in London and the surrounding area that provide habitats, but this does not mean we have the right to destroy such a rich and unique habitat. Furthermore, my fear is that developing Swanscombe would set a precedent that paves the way for further projects that undermine the importance of the natural world and prioritise economic growth over the future of our planet. None of this is to say that I am entirely against development in the UK, but my question is, why Swanscombe? It fails to make sense economically and enviromentally. Do not misunderstand me, the UK needs development to help boost its economy, especially in the post-COVID world, but why choose to build in area where it would be damaging to the natural world and providing minimal financial benenfit?