Fears that plans to build a rail depot on Crayford marshes will drive rare birds from London

The plans submitted to Bexley council include a rail freight interchange, warehousing, new roads and parking for HGVs.

The plans have been heavily criticised by locals because the proposed area for the depot is on the Crayford marshes and will drive local wildlife from the area.

Chris Rose, vice chair of Bexley Natural Environment group, said: “It’s noted for a broad variety of birds such as corn bunting and skylark. We are trying to conserve them and they are on the verge of being extinct in London.

“Their plans are incompetent in the extreme. The government is trying to conserve these animals but it will harm their habitat. Its benefits do not outweigh the costs.

“We want to get to the point where they don’t disappear completely. A lot of people in the borough don’t want to have to go down to Kent to go and see wildlife. You will have to go quite far to get away from the trappings of industrial mayhem.”

120 letters of objections from local people have been collected and over 1,350 supporters have signed a petition demanding the plans be rejected.

The London Wildlife Trust, Green Party MEP for London Jean Lambert, Bexley Civic Society and Bexley Natural Environment Forum have all objected to this planning application.

Donna Zimmer, from Bexley, organised the petition because she was afraid of losing the “last truly wild space in Bexley” where they could view rare birds.

She said: “I was aware that red- listed Skylark and Corn Bunting live, feed and breed on this site amongst other precious wildlife.

“Both of these species are Red listed in the most recent revision of Birds of Conservation Concern - a multi-partner assessment of the conservation status of British birds.

“We are so lucky to have these birds in Bexley and we should be protecting their habitat not destroying it.

“My family and I feel it is so depressing to think we could lose this green space and the wildlife that lives there forever.”