ON the morning that the London Resort theme park DCO Preliminary Hearings were due to start, London Resort have, at the last minute, withdrawn their DCO application.
London Resort have said they intend to resubmit their application later this year. Their reasons for withdrawing the application include it being as a result of the classification of Tilbury as a Freeport, which has meant they need to make revisions to move the ferry terminal from Tilbury to Grays, which evidently they are working closely and in collaboration with Thurrock Council.
Part of the reason was also given as being to do with the site being designated a Site of Special Scientific Significance (SSSI). That status shows that Natural England and others consider the site to be of great importance, should be given special consideration, and in need of protection.
Opposition to the theme park has been strong, with a fantastic community campaign group Save Swanscombe Peninsula SSI, along with many large organisations including Bugslife, Wildlife Trust, CPRE, and RSPB .
Whilst the actual theme park is proposed for the Kent site, the plans included parking facilities across the water in Tilbury, with a park and glide (ferry boat) service. Traffic impacts were another large concern on both sides of the river. Opposition also came from the Thames Crossing Action Group who are strongly opposed to the proposed Lower Thames Crossing.
Laura Blake, Chair of Thames Crossing Action Group said:
“We like many have had serious concerns over the proposed London Resort. There was no way we could have supported London Resort whilst opposing the LTC, it would have just been too hypocritical.
The reasons to object to both projects are just too similar, including how hugely destructive and harmful they would be, the traffic and congestion issues they would inflict, and the negative impacts to businesses, communities, and people’s lives, health and well-being.
We are delighted by this latest news, and hope that London Resort will come to their senses and not even attempt to resubmit their plans again, as there is no way the theme park should go ahead on the Swanscombe Peninsula or anywhere else round here.
Huge thanks and well done to Save Swanscombe Peninsula SSSI and everyone else who has been fighting so hard! Together we are stronger!”
