Representation by Gina Baines
- Date submitted
- 31 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am lodging an objection to the proposed development for the following reasons: The south east of England does not need another theme park in addition to Legoland and Thorpe Park and the various other theme parks scattered outside London. The business case does not make any sense. Instead, the south east of England needs to protect, nurture and expands its green spaces to help reverse the dramatic decline in wildlife species we have witnessed over the last 50 years. Sites such as the Swanscombe Peninsula are both good for wildlife and good for humans and in addition they are inclusive to all. Because of its location, Swanscombe Peninsula provides an important asset for the health and well-being of the local communities. A theme park would not promote the health and well-being of the local people but have the opposite effect as more green space was razed to the ground to be replaced by concrete, light, air and noise pollution, and increased traffic The pandemic has highlighted the importance of green spaces for our mental health and we should be encouraging this in all the planning decisions that are made from now on. It should be our priority. Most importantly though, Swanscombe Peninsula has been recognised as an important site for all aspects of wildlife from birds and wildflowers to the insects it supports. Its important and delicate ecosystem should not be damaged or broken by man's short term greed and desire to dominate the landscape and have it all for himself. Once broken nature's landscape cannot be mended. We saw this before with the destruction of hedgerows by farmers in the 1970s and 1980s. we now live with the consequences on our wildlife ecosytems of this destructive behaviour. I love Swanscombe Peninsula. It is not a picturesque landscape but rather a wild place where nature takes the lead. Flora and fauna have found sanctuary there and this should be protected at all costs.