Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and the RSPB are disappointed to again have to voice their objections to the latest proposals for major development at Tipner West in the final draft Portsmouth Local Plan, due to the significant damage they would inflict on Portsmouth’s internationally important wildlife sites, and the precedent this would set.
“Portsmouth City Council has previously demonstrated a commitment to reversing biodiversity loss and addressing the climate crisis by declaring both a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency,” said Debbie Tann, MBE, CEO of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. “However, the Council’s current draft proposal for development at Tipner West threatens to undermine its vital commitment, as well as both progress towards the target in the Environment Act to halt nature’s decline and the Council’s new, strengthened biodiversity duties.”
The proposed policy would lead to the direct loss of between 2.1ha and 6.5ha of Portsmouth’s most critical wildlife habitats, including essential feeding and roosting areas for wintering waterbirds. Additionally, the mudflats play a crucial role in carbon storage, aiding in climate change mitigation.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and the RSPB have been working together to raise shared concerns about the significant potential impacts of the development on the local environment. Portsmouth Harbour and the wider Solent area is vital for wildlife, and supports 30% of the UK’s population of dark‐bellied brent geese, as well as dunlin and black‐tailed godwits and many other wintering waders. Portsmouth Harbour and the wider Solent area is vital for wildlife and supports 30% of the UK’s population of dark‐bellied brent geese, as well as dunlin and black‐tailed godwits and many other wintering waders. Inappropriate development risks damaging a vital link in the chain of protected Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Ramsar sites across Europe, all of which need to be in good condition for the network to properly support wildlife.
The Council were forced to rethink original plans for a ‘super peninsula’ after over 24,000 people signed a joint petition, and a record 9,000 objection submissions to the previous Draft Local Plan were submitted. Whilst the new proposals would greatly reduce the damage to the protected wildlife sites, more must be done to turn this scheme from an environmental disaster to a regeneration project that Portsmouth can be proud of.
Under the best-case scenario, the development would sacrifice an area of Portsmouth Harbour’s legally protected wildlife site slightly larger than Fratton Park Football Stadium. In the worst-case scenario, it would result in the destruction of an area more than three times that size. This unprecedented move marks the first time a local plan has argued for an exception to laws protecting these special areas, allowing for irreversible damage to Portsmouth Harbour’s already pressured natural environment.
“We strongly disagree with the Council’s assertion that there are no less damaging alternative solutions to developing the marine hub and housing at Tipner West, and that there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest justifying such damage,” continued Debbie Tann.
“This stance threatens to set a dangerous and damaging precedent, potentially leading to similar developments nationwide. Nature has a tipping point, and we can’t afford a precedent at Tipner that tips us over the edge.”
Tony Whitehead speaking for the RSPB said: “We know that development and nature can go hand in hand. But this has to be well designed right from the start. Tipner we believe is falling far short of what needs to be done to ensure this development can proceed in harmony with nature. It is crossing red lines, and potentially setting a dangerous national precedent.
“Portsmouth should not be the city that sets such a harmful planning precedent. We call on the Council to honour their environmental promises and legal duties to protect and enhance biodiversity by seeking sustainable solutions for Tipner West. This means adhering to the ecological limits of the site and preserving vital habitats that support unique wildlife, reduce carbon emissions, and provide value and enjoyment to the community.”
As well as submitting their own responses, the Trust and the RSPB are urging their supporters and concerned members of the public to respond to the local plan consultation. To add your voice click here.
The consultation on the Local Plan runs from 9 July until 3rd September.