Representation by Bexley Civic Society (Bexley Civic Society)
- Date submitted
- 2 June 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Reasons for objections - Irreplaceable loss of Belvedere marsh land/ Metropolitan Open Land/ Nature reserve/ SINC/SSSI. This is set against the transitory nature of Carbon Capture (finite storage in North Sea and technologies moving on to reduce carbon emissions through other methods) - Impact on openness of remaining MOL- views from almost every angle will be impacted by the extensive plant and pipe work - The mitigation site is already an important open space. The overall size of the open space is part of the wildlife value. Any reduction threatens it’s viability. - The area is home to many birds such as Linnet, Skylark and Barn Owl and rare species such as the Shrill Carder bee – see Bexley Council Biodiversity &Geodiversity document , SINC review and Bexley Green Infrastructure documents for detailed information on species, openness etc https://www.bexley.gov.uk/services/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy-and-guidance/biodiversity-and-geodiversity https://www.bexley.gov.uk/services/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy-and-guidance/biodiversity-and-geodiversity - I note that no offer has been made to purchase open land currently in private ownership to recompense that being taken. I do not support this approach however I would like to have seen an offer to do so as a sign the applicants take biodiversity and species preservation seriously - This wider area, as part of the Thames Riverside development area, is set to have the largest population growth in the borough. This makes open spaces, so important for the health and wellbeing, at a premium - Disruption and closure of access roads/ footpaths/ Thames Path/ National Cycle way for 5+ years is too higher price to pay in terms of health and well being of local residents. Alternatives e.g. bridge over the site must be put in place. - Clear plans for uninterrupted costal path, cycle path, footpath once the site is completed appear to be missing - Proposals to make changes to footpaths propose only the Council consultee, not Community groups, Friends of Crossness Nature Reserve, the land owner or those with grazing rights i.e. those actually affected - Some of the risks identified have a very serious impact e.g. land and water pollution and risk to life by CO2 escape. Such high risk activities are an unsuitable neighbour for a SINC/nature reserve and built up area. Their As Low As Reasonably Practicable argument seems insufficient when measured against the seriousness of the consequences - No explanation on how grazing land becoming part of CNNR will impact those who have grazed the land for generations (and who have been impacted significantly in my life time by the continued shrinkage of the marshes) - It is clear that site selection has been based on the cheapest and easiest option rather than performing well against their own Optioneering Principles. The East site, which in general performs better, has been dismissed for poor reasons, particularly when viewed in the light of a large empty logistics site in the East of the borough, 10 minutes from the Thames. A link to the recent planning permission is attached. It is being marketed by Savills. https://pa.bexley.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SDYADYBEJDJ00&activeTab=summary