Save Swanscombe Peninsula has unveiled an alternative vision for the site in Kent where the £2.5 billion London Resort theme park was set to be built.
Following a community survey, the plans for the “nationally important site” were created by the Save Swanscombe Peninsula campaign team alongside RSPB, CPRE Kent, Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife.
According to a press release, the Swanscombe Peninsula would be “managed as a nature reserve for both its impressive wildlife and the people who live here”.
The area would feature increased signage, picnic tables, nature trails and improved management for wildlife.
“Swanscombe is a Site of Special Scientific Interest,” said Save Swanscombe Peninsula’s Donna Zimmer.
“It is home to 2,000 species of invertebrates and 82 species of breeding birds and is a much-needed tranquil green space in an urban setting.”
The project, says Zimmer, is “our chance to have a nature reserve on our doorstep that brings people closer to nature… because if nature thrives, we do too”.
“There has never been a more critically important time to defend nature and safeguard our future by protecting sites like Swanscombe Peninsula,” adds Save Swanscombe Peninsula member Laura Edie.
London Resort has withdrawn plans
“Growth should not be at the cost of our health; we need to ensure that these precious green spaces remain so we can adapt to the challenges we face as a result of the climate and biodiversity crises.”
London Resort Company Holdings withdrew its planning application for the attraction in March. The company said it would resubmit an application later this year.
According to CEO PY Gerbeau, the company is “still 100 percent committed to this amazing project and we will resubmit [the planning application] before the end of 2022”.
Gerbeau said the resort will “continue our engagement with the local community, statutory bodies, landowners and others to make sure we can reach as many agreements as possible before resubmission”.
Images: Save Swanscombe Peninsula / LRCH
