Representation by Emily Yetman
- Date submitted
- 31 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am making a written representation against the application for development consent. I have grown up visiting Swanscombe Peninsula at weekends with my family, and as for many others, it has been a destination of escapism. The vast array of life that the wetlands support is unmatched. It is our local retreat for our own mental health and for local and migratory species. The great impact Swanscombe Peninsula has on wildlife and local communities is why I believe that the Swanscombe Peninsula is the wrong place for a theme park. During the pandemic, I have been shielding. However, during release of restrictions was able to explore my local area and visited the Swanscombe Peninsula for its beauty and biodiversity. It allowed me to connect again with nature and positively benefitted my mental wellbeing during an exceedingly challenging time. It has become a place of treasure for myself and many others. Furthermore, living in [], there are few green open spaces. Therefore, the loss of this local area would be of a huge cost to myself and many others locally. Globally there are increasing concerns with climate change and numerous studies linking mental wellbeing with nature and ‘green’ spaces. Some studies even indicate that pathology of disease is decreased with wetland presence. Therefore, Swanscombe Peninsula provides essential services. It also allows for the ability to enjoy nature locally and thus reduce carbon footprint. There is a great abundance and biodiversity of life to explore and see. From the scarce bryony ladybird, shield bugs, numerous species of bees, lizards, damselflies and dragonflies, grasshoppers and many species of migratory birds. It provides rare enrichment for me and the local community and is significant in supporting all types of species. It 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. 15 red-listed Birds of Conservation Concern and 12 Species of Principal Importance breed there, including Marsh harriers and Bearded Reedlings and the nationally scarce vascular plant species have been found there including Man orchid. Further, the area sustains mammals including Water vole and Otter. The unique nature of this habitat- established wetlands and grasslands- mean that it is not replaceable and therefore the life that it supports is also unique and irreplaceable. As such it has been notified as a site of special scientific interest. As a member of the committee of RSPB Gravesend, I am passionate about the environment and conservation of it. I am concerned about the rapid decline of established habitats nationally and the rapid decline of wetlands globally, which severely contribute towards global warming. It is, therefore, against my values and principles to develop this land. Swanscombe Peninsula is a recognised significant and established habitat both nationally and locally. It provides greater quality of life and provides habitat for a significant amount of species which is why I greatly oppose the development.