Warning: East of England plan may harm wildlife1 January 2008
Many of the East of England's top wildlife sites could be damaged by large-scale development according to a new report (PDF†) .
Epping Forest is one of the sites that could be affectedine
The report found that the types, levels and locations of the developments proposed in the East of England Plan could have a significant effect on key wildlife sites.
Under the UK Habitats Regulations the plan must be checked for it's impact on important wildlife sites.
The Government is trying to force too many people and houses into some of our most environmentally sensitive areas.
Mary Edwards
East of England Campaigns Co-ordinator
Possible damaging effects of the plan include:
- Breckland Special Protected Area
the building of 6,000 homes around Thetford could affect the habitat of the rare stone curlew bird. - Ouse Washes Special Area of Conservation
Increase in discharge from sewage works could increase flooding and reduce water quality of this site.
More information
- Full habitats assessment review report (PDF† - 855 KB).
- Friends of the Earth briefing (PDF† - 182 KB).
- Friends of the Earth press release
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