Save Swanscombe Marshes ~ the journey so far....

July 2020 – Public consultation launched by the London Resort 

• The London Resort launched a public consultation to canvas the views of all stakeholders regarding their plans to concrete over Swanscombe Peninsula.  The impressive wildlife survey data was put into the public domain, confirming Swanscombe’s importance to wildlife.  The London Resort’s own surveys revealed that Swanscombe supports over 2,000 species of invertebrate, including the Critically Endangered Distinguished Jumping Spider (Attulus distinguendus), found at only one other site in the UK and more than 200 species of conservation concern.

August 2020 – Petition launched by conservation charities

• A petition supported by Buglife, RSPB, Kent Wildlife Trust (KWT) and CPRE Kent calling on the Secretary of State to refuse the London Resorts application was launched.  The petition highlights that our wildlife is in crisis and losing a nationally important wildlife site to a theme park should not be allowed.  To date, this petition has been signed by more than 34,000 people.

September 2020 – Conservation charities respond to public consultation

• Buglife and conservation partners responded to the London Resort’s public consultation, highlighting the importance of Swanscombe for rare and threatened wildlife; the unique and diverse habitats are irreplaceable.

January 2021 – Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) application accepted by Planning Inspectorate

• The application for Swanscombe to be considered as a NSIP was accepted by the Planning Inspectorate.  NSIP’s are usually reserved for nationally important infrastructure, such as airports, power plants and motorways.  This is the first time a commercial NSIP has been accepted for examination.  Interested Parties encouraged to make representations.

February 2021 – Rationale for SSSI designation submitted to Natural England

• Buglife, RSPB, KWT and CPRE Kent submitted a “Rationale for the SSSI designation of the Swanscombe Peninsula” to Natural England, accompanied by a letter to the Natural England Chief Executive, Marian Spain, signed by 77 current and former senior staff from nature organisations and public bodies.  The detailed “rationale” outlined that Swanscombe’s outstanding nature conservation interest met many of the criteria for selection as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

March 2021 – Notification of the Swanscombe Peninsula as a SSSI announced

• Natural England announced the notification of the Swanscombe Peninsula as a SSSI, subject to consultation.  Swanscombe was notified for its nationally important invertebrate assemblage, breeding bird assemblages and populations of nationally scarce flowering plants.  Swanscombe was afforded immediate, full legal protection as a SSSI under Section 28C of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).

October 2021 – Public rally held at Swanscombe

• A Save Swanscombe Rally was held on location, with over 100 people attending to celebrate its wildlife and show their concern for the future of the area.  A film was produced during this event, sharing the commitment and passion of the local Save Swanscombe Peninsula SSSI group.
  

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October 2021 – Local Plan Consultation closes

• Dartford Borough Council Local Plan consultation closes

November 2021 – SSSI notification ratified

• The SSSI notification was ratified by the Natural England board; this cemented Swanscombe’s important SSSI status.

December 2021 – Local Plan update submitted

• Dartford Borough Council submitted an updated Local Plan, which commits to protecting and enhancing the SSSI for wildlife and people.

January 2022 – Crowd Justice appeal launched

• A Crowd Justice Appeal was launched by Buglife, RSPB,KWT, CPRE Kent and the Save Swanscombe Peninsula SSSI campaign group.  The purpose of which is to fund the costs of legal and expert advice, to challenge the development throughout the examination process.  In just three weeks the appeal was supported by more than 2000 pledges totaling over £51,000.

January 2022 – A coalition of charities wrote to the BBC

• A coalition of charities ( including the Chief Executives of Buglife, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Trust, Butterfly Conservation, National Trust, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, CPRE Kent, Save Swanscombe Peninsula SSSI, Kent Wildlife Trust, CPRE, Woodland Trust, The Wildlife Trusts and RSPB England) wrote to the BBC highlighting concerns regarding the BBC being identified as a commercial partner by the London Resort. The signatories believe that this is a clear matter of environmental leadership, and that associating with a SSSI-destroying theme park further would have a significant reputational impact for the BBC, as well as go against its Royal Charter commitments to only act in the public interest.

February 2022 – Planning Inspectorate set Preliminary Meeting date

• The Planning Inspectorate set a date for its Preliminary Meeting, where the timeline for the examination will be decided.  The meeting is scheduled to take place on the 29th March 2022.

March 2022 – Preliminary Meeting will take place

• The timeline of the examination will be decided by the Planning Inspectorate.  The examination is expected to be completed in a six-month period, with a further three-month period for a recommendation to be passed on to the Secretary of State, who will then decide the outcome.

March 29 2022 – Planning Application withdrawn by London Resort prior to the start of the Preliminary Meeting

• Plans to build a theme park in North Kent on top of 100ha of a nationally important wildlife site have been withdrawn at the eleventh hour by the applicant – but the fight to save this haven of biodiversity is far from over.

November 15 2022 – A Vision for Swanscombe Peninsula released

• A vision for the Swanscombe Peninsula has been created, following a community survey led by the Save Swanscombe Peninsula SSSI group. People overwhelmingly wanted it looked after and managed as a nature reserve for both its impressive wildlife and the people who live there. 87% of survey respondents said that the Peninsula was either ‘very important’ or ‘somewhat important’ to their physical or mental wellbeing. The coalition of conservation partners has urged local residents to write to their MP to make this vision become a reality.

July 28 2023 – A coalition of charities write to Rt Hon Michael Gove MP

• A coalition of charities write to Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, calling on him to use his powers as the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to help secure the Swanscombe Peninsula’s future by revoking the London Resort’s planning status. With its Nationally Significant Infrastructure Status, the groundswell of support for a community and wildlife led ‘Vision for the Swanscombe Peninsula’ cannot translate to action and commitment by decision makers.

October 7 2024 – A coalition of charities write to Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP

• A coalition of charities write to Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP, calling on her to use her powers as the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to help secure the Swanscombe Peninsula’s future by revoking the London Resort’s planning status. With its Nationally Significant Infrastructure Status, the groundswell of support for a community and wildlife led Vision for the Swanscombe Peninsula cannot translate to action and commitment by decision makers.