Representation by Sheila Dearns
- Date submitted
- 18 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I have very serious concerns about the impact on wildlife and habitats in Essex, including: Biodiversity loss, when we are already one of the least biodiverse countries in the world. Animals such as water voles, reptiles and rare insects will be adversely affected. The damage to and fragmentation of habitats, including ancient woodland and local wildlife sites will be irreversible. Increased noise and lighting disturb communication, breeding, feeding and movement in species such as bats, birds and insects. The work will reduce the remoteness and wildness of the landscape and its tranquillity. At a time of increasing stress in daily life and the acknowledged benefits of nature to peoples’ mental health it is highly irresponsible to damage yet more of our once beautiful county. It will also generate more traffic and increase CO2 emissions, which directly conflicts with the government's target to achieve net zero by 2050. Associated development and future developments will put even more pressure on wildlife and wild spaces.