London Resort theme park makes it to examination stage
You never know, this is what the proposed theme park could look like (pic LRCH)
Plans to build a huge theme park on the Thames estuary have passed their first hurdle.
The Planning Inspectorate has accepted the application for a Development Consent Order to build the London Resort theme park between Greenhithe and Northfleet.
This means the project, submitted by London Resort Company Holdings on New Year’s Eve and received by the Planning Inspectorate on Monday, January 4, can proceed to examination.
The decision to accept the 25,000-page application was announced in a Planning Inspectorate letter dated Thursday, January 28.
The project, targeted for the wildlife-rich Swanscombe peninsula, has been roundly condemned by conservation groups including the RSPB, Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife.
There is also widespread concern about the scheme being designated a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), the first ‘business or commercial project’ to be accepted as such by the government under the Planning Act 2008. It is feared such status means it will not be subject to the same scrutiny that would be applied through the regular planning process.
The examination, in which CPRE Kent intends to take part, is expected to begin two to four months from now and must be completed within six months of the start-point.
Although it is too early to comment extensively, it is apparent that plenty of work needs to be done in relation to transport.
The Lower Thames Crossing proposed for nearby does not appear to have been factored into the plans, while the developer will need to show how it can take people to and from the site on the existing transport network.
Once the six-month examination has been completed, the final decision on the project will be made by Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.