COULD VISITOR CENTRE 'POLLUTE' HABITAT?

Contamination risk to both water and  land?

                                                  
PROFESSIONAL ecologist and architect Paul Hicking has joined the Great Spurn Visitor Centre Debate

According to Mr  Hicking,  wildlife trusts have historically resisted developments on sensitive sites.

He says: "In principle, the proposed centre will be a  retail outlet with some potential for education.

"It is, therefore, contrary to the protection and enhancement of habitats and their species. 

"The proposed development would  also introduce a level of pollutants in the form of both visitor presence and building usage."

The Belper-based expert explains: "There is a  risk  of  oil and petrol leakage, vehicle exhaust emissions and potential leakage of human waste into nearby watercourses. 

"Over time, these could  impact on  the health of adjacent plant and species communities.
 
"Many pollutants stay within the ground for many years and will inevitably be washed into the water systems and even our own food sources. 

"For wildlife conservation to be effective, it requires large areas of available habitat to effectively allow species communities to develop. 

"The introduction of new habitat planting fragmented by large areas of car parking, hardstanding and building footprint will not allow conservation to work effectively. 

"The proposed concentration of a greater density of visitors at one location is far more invasive than the dispersed and fragmented density of current visitors."

Mr Hicking continues: "Spurn currently provides an opportunity to witness natural migration and a study of its unique and changing habitats without the requirement for imposed commercialisation or control. 

"The site is nationally and internationally important for its pure intrinsic and historic value for wildlife.

"I fear that the introduction of what is effectively a commercial development  could lead to the eventual decline and loss of these values due to development."