LOCAL campaigners have welcomed news that the application for a development consent order for the planned multi-billion pound London Resort leisure and theme park complex on the Swanscombe Peninsula have been withdrawn.

Today (Tuesday, 29 March) was due to see the start of the hearing into the London Resort theme park application to the government but at the last minute it was pulled.

Resort directors 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. It is reported they are working closely on that part of the project in collaboration with Thurrock Council.

The reason Tilbury was selected in the first place was its ability to host car parks for thousands of visitors who would then cross the river by a new pedestrian ferry service - a scheme known as 'park and glide'.

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 and community campaign group Save Swanscombe Peninsula SSI, have led the way in objecting along with many large organisations including Bugslife, Wildlife Trust, CPRE, and RSPB.

Dartford Council and Gareth Johnson MP for Dartford have also been very vocal of their opposition due to environmental concerns as well as the impacts to local businesses.

Opposition also came from the Thames Crossing Action Group which is strongly opposed to the proposed Lower Thames Crossing.

However, Thurrock Council has been supportive of the scheme and only last week council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill was championing the 'opportunities' it presented for Thurrock.

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!"