John Leech MP Backs Protection for Urban Wildlife
1.02.20pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 21st Mar 2007
Lib Dem MP for Manchester Withington, John Leech, has backed moves in Parliament to protect the diverse wildlife which thrives in many urban areas.
Currently wildlife which lives on land designated as 'brownfield', which includes nearly all land in urban areas, is not protected when plans for new developments are decided.
John Leech MP said:
"There are many sites in South Manchester, such as The Rookery in West Didsbury, which are home to numerous wildlife species and plant species. These should be awarded some protection from the developer's bulldozer. There needs to be a change in legislation so that wildlife can continue to thrive in our area."
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Early Day Motion 502
PROTECTION OF BROWNFIELD WILDLIFE SITES 13.12.2006
That this House recognises that a significant number of brownfield or
previously-developed sites are rich in endangered and protected wildlife;
notes the important role that these brownfield sites have to play in the
conservation of wildlife and delivering the EU commitment to halt
biodiversity loss by 2010; is concerned that current planning policy is
leading to the loss of many of these key wildlife habitats, such as the
north lagoon of West Thurrock Marshes, a nationally important site that
supports almost a thousand species of animals, birds and reptiles, including
36 rare invertebrates listed in the Red Data Book and three on the UK
Biodiversity Action Plan, yet which is now threatened with development; and
calls upon the Government to work in partnership with local and regional
government and environmental protection agencies to protect and enhance the
brownfield biodiversity found on sites such as West Thurrock Marshes.
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