Environmental and local voices must be heard in planning of power stations and ports

11th November, 2009

The Wildlife Trusts have expressed concern about Government announcements made this week that the new, unelected Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), will be able to fast-track major projects such as ports and power stations.

The conservation charity fears wildlife may not be given adequate consideration when decisions are made about developments. This could have major impacts on the natural environment.

The Wildlife Trusts’ concerns have been voiced following the publication of six National Policy Statements which state the IPC - which has no ecological expertise - will give the final go-ahead on major infrastructure projects. This overrides the current democratic process where local people, through bodies such as Wildlife Trusts, can raise objections to developments on environmental grounds.

Stephanie Hilborne, chief executive for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “Local Wildlife Trusts all around the country scrutinise and monitor planning applications – around 90,000 each year. Our local expertise and knowledge is second to none. It often adds value to the planning system on major infrastructure and other projects.

“The new process must allow this careful consideration and involvement to continue with major infrastructure projects, whether it is the siting of ports, wind farms or nuclear power stations. For the future of our natural environment and our wildlife, it is vital we continue to have that say.

“This comes at a time when we should be ensuring precious habitats are at the core of restoring our fragmented landscape – which needs to be strengthened in the face of climate change. The natural environment appears to be forgotten in this new process. Where is the Government’s vision for the future of our wildlife?”

Case study:

Dr Kate Willshaw, planning and policy officer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said: “Cumbria has been chosen to host three nuclear power stations. One, in particular, (Kirksanton) poses a threat to biodiversity as the site is next to the Lake District National Park boundary and lies partly within a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Specially Protected Area (SPA), Ramsar and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It also has at least three European Protected Species (EPS) - great crested newts and at least two species of bat are found in the area, and it is one of only 50 sites in the UK to host natterjack toads. It is also home to Wildlife & Countryside Act Species such as slowworms and common lizards, and is designated locally as a site of invertebrate interest. On top of all this it has Priority Habitats and Species, and is a County Wildlife Site.

“It is certainly as environmentally sensitive as Dungeness - which was omitted from the list. We have to ask the question: why is this site still included?

“The outcome of the first round of consultation (http://data.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk/documents/ssasummary.pdf) identified Kirksanton as having received the greatest number of objections - on biodiversity, flooding and other issues – and yet it's still in the running. This is utterly perverse.

“A nuclear power station on the Kirksanton site will devastate the natural environment.”

• For further information or interviews please contact Tanya Perdikou, media & campaigns officer on 01636 670057 / 07887 754657 / tperdikou@wildlifetrusts.org

Story by RSWT

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