Representation by Michelle Hayward
- Date submitted
- 26 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Last few days! Please object to the beautiful Swanscombe Peninsula being turned into a theme park by the 31st March. Please click ‘I am completing this form for myself to give my own personal views’ & submit a short comment (around 500 words) in support of this Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and its wonderful wildlife. I have sent the following to: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/south-east/the-london-resort/?ipcsection=relreps We do not need another gaudy, noisy theme park in the UK - especially on a newly designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The Swanscombe Peninsula needs to be protected. By maintaining this thriving and accessible slice of nature, we will continue to benefit from the physical and mental benefits its existence brings. This Open Mosaic Habitat on Previously Developed Land (OMHPDL) has transformed into a natural wonder. It supports a particularly varied range of rare and scarce species; from the Critically Endangered Distinguished jumping spider to the perilously declining (by 90%) nightingale. A brief study carried out by the London Paramount Entertainment Resort showed that they share the Peninsula with 14 other bird species categorised as red, and 14 categorised as amber in terms of conservation concern. 3 invertebrates categorised as RDB1 (endangered) and 8 more as RDB2 (Vulnerable); including 2 beloved bee species (Andrena nigrospina and Andrena niveata). 30 more are considered rare! Please see: https://cdn.buglife.org.uk/2021/02/Swanscombe-SSSI-rationale-Feb-2021.pdf The endangered man orchid has also made a home here; as have 4 vulnerable plant species (yellow vetchling, bithynian vetch, slender hare's-ear and divided sedge. If this is just what the planning applicant found, then this amazing tally is likely to be an underestimate. It is not just these species that are rare, but the very land itself, sitting as it does in the highly developed Thames estuary. In 2019, data showed that 25% of all children living in Dartford were living in poverty (https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/areas-kent-highest-number-children-2875594). Since the pandemic this is highly likely to have increased. The vast majority of these families are unlikely to have access to a garden. They are also unlikely to have spare money to visit a theme park. It is therefore down to the council to maintain nature-friendly ecosystems that can help improve health by encouraging exercise and provide a respite from hectic city life by inspiring an interest in the natural world - all without costing money. Please reject this planning application. The vast majority of these amazing species will be driven out of the area if planning permission is given and the SSSI certification ignored. We must save this amazing area for current and future generations of humans and non-humans alike. We must stop the decline in wildlife; especially within cities - not bulldoze it for the sake of an expensive day trip.