Representation by Patricia Ruth Taylor
- Date submitted
- 6 June 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The land used is part of the Crossness nature reserve, a special place for people and a habitat for a wide range of wildlife species. It is an oasis locked between large industrial units, well established and of sufficient area and variety of habitat to support a wide range of species. On my most recent visit I had the privilege of seeing among other things a barn owl and kestrel flying and hunting. Each of these needs a wide area in which to hunt. These are just 2 examples of where a reduction in area will impact their ability to hunt. The proposed mitigations cannot address the loss of area and the consequent reduction in variety of habitat of the site. There has always been a battle between supporting the interests of nature versus development and I am grateful that individuals like Octavia Hill recognised the need to fight for its protection, no matter what ‘Justifications’ were proposed. The developers have a duty of care to the environment as opposed to exploiting it.