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Thames Gateway plans (1 Viewer)

Chris Monk

Well-known member
From the RSPB web site:

Thames ‘Gateway’ – sustainable icon?

The Government is proposing one of the most ambitious building and regeneration schemes in the 'Thames Gateway', an area east of London that is internationally important for wild birds. The RSPB is challenging the Government to make the Thames Gateway the sustainable development capital of the world.

Launching its own vision for the Thames Gateway, the RSPB has challenged the Government to ensure genuinely sustainable development that recognises and promotes the importance of the natural environment.

RSPB Chief Executive, Graham Wynne said, 'The Thames Gateway offers an outstanding opportunity to create a world-class economy in a world-class environment and should be a world-leading example of sustainable development.

The Thames Estuary regularly supports over 200,000 wildfowl and wading birds over the winter.
It is a vital staging post for many hundreds of thousands of migrating birds during the spring and autumn.
There are three internationally protected areas for birds and many more areas of national or local importance for wildlife, including RSPB nature reserves such as Rainham (London/Essex border) and Cliffe Pools, Kent.
'The Government sensibly rejected the idea of an airport on the North Kent Marshes. Hopefully, this is an indication that they have recognised the importance of the natural environment in the Gateway, both for the wildlife it supports and for the role it can play in creating a better quality of life for the people who live and work in the area.'

The RSPB is calling for:

the protection of all nationally and internationally important wildlife sites
the creation and enhancement of accessible nature reserves, including flagship sites with the profile to
enhance the image of the whole area
minimisation of resource use and waste production in all new development both during construction and in use.
In Greening the Gateway, the Government has already indicated its support for these principles and the RSPB will be urging them to ensure that this support delivers genuinely sustainable development.

Housing Minister, Keith Hill has welcomed the RSPB's involvement in the Thames Gateway: 'As set out in Greening the Gateway, we intend to ensure the environment is at the heart of plans for development in the Thames Gateway, ensuring wild open spaces are protected for future generations to enjoy. This is an exciting opportunity to integrate economic growth with environmental enhancement.

'I welcome the RSPB's support for Greening the Gateway and their vital role in delivering a high quality natural environment, particularly through the fantastic reserves at Rainham Marshes and Cliffe Pools, and the Society's work on the South Essex "Green Grid".'

Copies of The Thames Gateway: world-class community, world- class economy; world-class environment, the RSPB's vision for the Gateway, are available from the RSPB South East England Regional Office on 01273 775333.


Source: RSPB
 
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