“This is a disastrous decision for London’s environment and quality of life. It is completely wrong to locate a massive business park on an area of rare grazing marsh, which is a national priority for protection."
"Worse still, it is wholly unnecessary because there are many suitable built alternative sites in this part of London which are crying out for re-use. The decision makes a mockery of the planning system.”
Local Thamesmead people and environmental groups have fought a long campaign to protect the Southmere Green part of Erith Marshes, which is now earmarked for the business park.
Even the London Mayor’s own Biodiversity Team recommended that the area be recognized as one of London’s top wildlife sites, with “Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation” status
Both Bexley Council and the London Mayor rejected the recommendation because development was in the wings. Last November Bexley Council decided to grant planning permission. Shortly afterwards the Government refused a request for a call-in. London’s Mayor was the last hope, but on 17 December he decided not to use his power to direct refusal of permission.
Despite the Mayor’s decision, the London Assembly Greens are stepping up their campaign to save Erith Marshes.
They are calling on Ken Livingstone to set up an urgent meeting with the developer, Bexley Council and local environmental groups to find a suitable alternative site for the business park.
“Development on Erith Marshes would be a tragedy. This is a very wrong decision and I will do all I can to get it reversed, even at this late stage,” warned Noel Lynch warned.