Oct 8, 2024, 7:57 PM
Oct 8, 2024, 7:57 PM

Kent's £3.5bn theme park faces backlash from environmentalists

Provocative
Highlights
  • The London Resort Company announced plans for a £3.5 billion theme park in Kent in 2012, covering 535 acres of land.
  • Environmentalists have raised concerns about the site's ecological significance, leading to calls for the revocation of planning permission.
  • The project's future is now uncertain as the company withdraws its application and considers a revised proposal.
Story

In the UK, plans for a £3.5 billion theme park on the Swanscombe Peninsula have faced significant opposition from environmentalists since their announcement in 2012. The proposed site, which spans 535 acres of former industrial land, is recognized as an important habitat for wildlife, including over 2,000 invertebrate species and 82 breeding bird species. Wildlife charities have urged political leaders to revoke the planning permission due to the ecological significance of the area, which they argue should be preserved as a nature park for the community. The project has been under a Development Consent Order for a decade, a process that allows the government to make decisions rather than local authorities. Recent developments have led the London Resort Company to withdraw their current application, citing the need for revisions due to changes in local infrastructure and environmental designations. The Chief Executive of the London Resort, PY Gerbeau, acknowledged the challenges posed by the classification of the site and the impact of Natural England's designation of a contaminated site as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Originally, the theme park was set to open in 2025 and included plans for a waterpark, hotels, and ferry terminals. However, the ongoing environmental concerns and the need for a fresh application have cast doubt on the project's future. The local community remains uncertain about the fate of their green space, which has been a cherished area for wildlife and recreation. As the situation evolves, the potential for the Swanscombe Peninsula to be transformed into a nature park remains a priority for conservationists, highlighting the ongoing conflict between development and environmental preservation.

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