Representation by Sophie Stubbs
- Date submitted
- 31 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I live in Greenhithe not far from the Swanscombe Peninsula and as a member of the local community I have big concerns about the theme park and the impact that it will have on us and the wildlife that live on the Peninsula. Putting a theme park in this location will have a devastating effect on the wildlife, will add to the already terrible traffic conditions and add more pollution to an over polluted area causing health issues for those of us living in the area. We regularly walk around the nature reserve and other parts of the peninsula with our children and dog and we find it a safe haven away from the hustle and bustle of life living in Greenhithe. The Peninsula is one of the very few areas of greenery, where nature is well established and undisturbed, left in the local area. The area is overrun with housing and traffic. Literally every plot of land possible is being built upon in one way or another and the local infrastructure cannot cope. There’s only so many nee road layouts that can be put in place and these all have such a limited effect because of the sheer weir of the traffic. It is so important to health and well being of local residents to have areas like this remain, which we can use for exercise and recreation. I am really concerned that, as well as there being a huge reduction in the green spaces for recreation locally, also that wildlife across the country is in drastic decline, and that it is more important than ever to keep and maintain the spaces that we have available to wildlife particularly somewhere like this that houses the Critically Endangered Distinguished jumping spider, which is found on only one other site in the UK and other rare and endangered species. The Swanscombe Peninsula is simply the wrong place for a theme park because of the traffic it will cause, the pollution and the effects it will have on the wildlife. I definitely value wildlife more than I ever would a theme park and think that it should be treasured.