We all aware that the Medway Local plan, originally due to be updated in 2003 is still not published. In its present draft form it relies on a £170 million grant, not yet approved by central government to make sufficient improvements to our infrastructure for any large-scale sustainable development. In the meantime predatory unrestricted development is extending the urban fringe ever further on to the Peninsula.
I believe the Hoo Peninsula as a whole has sufficient merit to be declared a national park. The last National Park designated in the UK 2010 was the South Downs.
A national park shares two statutory purposes:-
To conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area,
To promote the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area.
The special qualities of a National Park include their
Landscape and views
Geology and geography
Biodiversity and rare species
Archaeology and history
I believe that our Peninsula meets all these criteria. Becoming a National Park would afford protection against unsustainable development and would enhance and celebrate it for what it is, a unique area full of natural and cultural heritage.
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We fought long and hard to protect the peninsula from becoming the site of an international hub airport. The nation is in equal danger in of losing it again to the ever-growing urban sprawl.
Please lead your support and join with us to protect our Peninsula, an area of environmental, historical, national and international importance.
Please let me know your thoughts by completing this quick survey:-
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