Representation by Ralph Todd
- Date submitted
- 31 May 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Unbelievable that a project supposed to meet climate change objectives proposes to destroy over 11% of ancient Thames Grazing marsh in the process. This is a Local Nature Reserve rich in biodiversity and much loved by naturalists from far and wide and the local community. The Applicant is hoodwinking everyone by claiming there will be an "enlarged nature reserve". This is not true. Wildlife doesn't recognise designations (like a nature reserve) or who owns land, wildlife just knows where it can thrive and be safe for feeding, breeding and roosting. The green space that is currently known as Thames Water Crossness Nature Reserve and Peabody Norman Road Field fulfills that need very well and removing 11% and in Cory's words "enhancing what is left" does not constitute a larger nature reserve for wildlife. If Cory were proposing to remove/destroy an ancient monument, building or cathedral there would justifiably been a nationwide, perhaps an international outcry. The Government with its biodiversity and environmental commitments must not approve the reckless destruction of this important grazing marsh Nature Reserve. Cory claim to have looked at all alternatives - well they haven't looked close enough or justified their findings sufficiently. Immediately to the east of Norman Road and adjacent to their two Incinerators (one under construction) is a very large area including some warehousing on designated "industrial/employment" land. To remove/relocate some of that warehousing might be more costly for them but when was a man made storage warehouse (which could be relocated) more important than a wildlife rich habitat that can never be relocated or adequately mitigated for? If the UK Government is serious about its environmental commitments it must demonstrate this by refusing the destruction of this Nature Reserve. A Nature Reserve which is rich in biodiversity including many local, regional and in a few cases nationally important species. Current encroachment around the Nature Reserve is bad enough, destruction by removal of 11% is unthinkable, irresponsible and lacks imagination by Cory. Not only will the massive infrastructure, including the high chimneys, be over-bearing on what is left of the Nature Reserve there are other elements (relocating stables, load bearing stilts for pipework) that will also impact on what is left of the Nature Reserve. The level of data from surveys produced by Cory (probably mostly desk top) are inadequate and do not reflect what those who have been watching/recording the area (some for over 25 years) have recorded. Indeed the loss of some important species e.g. skylark can be attributed directly to the incursions of Cory and their developments.