Representation by Ms M J Jenkins
- Date submitted
- 20 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am very concerned about this scheme's anticipated negative impact on biodiversity and landscape, and its potential to generate pollution and increase CO2 emissions. The Thames Estuary & Marshes is internationally important for wildfowl and birds of prey. RSPB Shorne Marshes is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Ramsar wetlands site. The Kent Downs is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. I'm concerned that the destruction, disturbance, noise and increased lighting at night brought by the Crossing will cause, in all these supposedly protected areas: - biodiversity loss, ie of water voles, reptiles and rare insects; - upsets to breeding, feeding patterns and communication for bats, birds and insects; - damage to and fragmentation of habitats including ancient woodland, ancient and veteran trees, hedgerows; - a huge reduction in the wildness, tranquility and beauty of the landscape. If the Crossing is built, associated and future developments will continue to put additional pressure on the wildlife and landscape that is left. The Crossing will generate more traffic with resulting increases in air & noise pollution and CO2 emissions. The route fails to meet the WHO interim target for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) of 10 micrograms per cubic metre. The anticipated increase in CO2 emissions of around 6.6 million tonnes brought by the scheme directly conflicts with the government's target to achieve net zero by 2050.