Petition to Dover District Council

                     'Save the Wildlife at Betteshanger Sustainable Park’

                  There must be a Full Environmental Impact Assessment

We call upon Dover District Council to overturn its decision Ref 17-4-20 and to commission a full independent Environmental Impact Assessment on the Betteshanger site.

We consider that an Ecological “Appraisal” paid for by the interested developer Quinns, is nowhere near sufficient for a site such as this. We also note with astonishment that the "Appraisal" paid for by the interested developer Quinns, was undertaken in November! Surely, the breeding season is the correct time!                                                                                                                                                                                             We also note that “Additional Phase 2 survey work is ongoing, to be reported in a separate addendum”. ”We look forward to seeing this Phase 2 survey with great interest and in a timely manner before any decision is made.

At a time of climate and ecological emergency, issues on which DDC has committed to taking action, it is honest, independent assessments with site visits, of the trees and habitats to be protected that are needed; it is not reasonable to make do with assessments commissioned and paid for by developers that reduce developers’ profits.

1. This site fits the criteria for an ‘open mosaic habitat on previously developed land’ and, as such, is classed as a priority habitat. Brown field sites, contrary to popular opinion, can be a refuge for rare species. Indeed in the north of the country several old industrial sites have been made into nature reserves. Betteshanger must be also. 

2. “Precautionary safeguards will be implemented to ensure these species are fully safeguarded during works - Badger, Water Vole, Great Crested Newt, reptiles and birds”. What safeguards will these be? Please provide details of these safeguards.

3. “Habitats. The site itself comprises large areas of bare and recolonising ground, with grassland, scrub, woodland and a small number of hedgerows at the eastern extent, whilst three ponds are also present. Generally the habitats present are “considered to be of limited ecological value, with some elevated potential associated with the woodland, ponds and wetland” (a very subjective statement with no reasons given in support).

4. It should also be noted, should you not be aware, that the RSPB are running ‘Operation Turtle Dove’ in Kent - Betteshanger is within one of the identified core Turtle Dove areas, where the RSPB are trying to encourage better habitat management for the these endangered birds.  It should also be noted that Turtle Doves, ‘Streptopeliaturtur,’ are on the ICUN Red List of Endangered Birds.

“It's a moral question about whether we have the right to exterminate species.”

                                    David Attenborough

 

I urge you to not only sign this petition, but also comment on the planning portal, as this will give added weight to our request for a full Environmental Impact Assessment.

Very many thanks

Caroline Mason

 

For more information:

The Planning Application reference is 20/00419 and can be found at:https://publicaccess.dover.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage

For more information:Open Mosaic habitat on previously developed land’:-  

https://www.nature.scot/sites/default/files/2018-02/Priority%20Habitat%20-%20Open%20Mosaic%20Habitats%20On%20Previously%20Developed%20Land.pdf

Biodiversity Briefing Paper on Colliery Spoil Tips:- https://collieryspoilbiodiversity.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/colliery-spoil-biodiversity-briefing-paper-20172.pdf