Representation by Samuel Yetman
- Date submitted
- 31 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am writing to respond to the planning application submitted by the London Resort Company. I believe that the proposal for a theme park on the site of Swanscombe Marshes is not appropriate for three reasons. First, as a nationally-important wildlife site that supports a wide range of species, Swanscombe is wholly unsuitable for a large-scale theme park. Indeed, Natural England has awarded it the protected SSSI status due to its rich biodiversity. As the applicant’s own biodiversity report states, the area is home to 15 bird species that are on the red-list and 12 that are of Principal Importance, over 250 invertebrate species of conservation concern, and important populations of mammals including water voles, otters, and bats. Many of these species, such as the cuckoo, nightingale, skylark, and water vole, are some of our most cherished and loved animals inspiring so much of our cultural heritage, from A Lark Ascending to the Wind in the Willows. To lose Swanscombe Marshes is to lose the wildlife that calls it home and to permanently damage our national heritage. Second, it is highly unlikely that the project will result in a net biodiversity gain, irrespective of the applicant’s claim. Replicating complex habitats like this and achieving the same biodiversity is extremely hard, particularly for mixed-type habitat of coastal areas, grasslands, scrub, and wetland that constitutes the Swanscombe Peninsular. Complex ecosystems such as these take considerable time to develop and are extremely difficult (and costly) to create artificially. It is highly likely that the applicant has failed to grasp the true wildlife significance of the site. There are also very few incentives for the applicant to actually follow through on delivering this. The fact that they have not detailed how they will achieve the claimed net biodiversity gain suggests that it is not high on their priorities. Third, the site has proved a welcome green space for myself and other local residents during the covid-19 pandemic. Many have come to appreciate open spaces like this for their tranquillity. The applicant’s claim that they will provide ‘green space’ amounts to little more than a few trees, equivalent to what you might see on the edge of a retail park, and completely fails to compensate for what would be the significant loss of wild habitat and open green space. The noise and light pollution, increased traffic, waste production, and large architecture will permanently damage any nearby wild areas (including the directly adjacent Botany Marsh). Given the scientific consensus around the importance of wild spaces and connection with the natural world on health and wellbeing, I believe this development would significantly compromise the ability of myself, my family, and other local residents to access these vital health benefits. As a young person, I only hope that this application is rejected and that my future children can one day enjoy Swanscombe Marshes and the abundant wildlife there as I do today. Samuel Yetman