Dan Chilcott

[Kent Wildlife Trust @KentWildlife]

We are refuting claims made by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer regarding the impact of conservation efforts on housing development in Ebbsfleet.

In an editorial for @Telegraph, Sir Keir suggested that plans for 15,000 new homes had been blocked due to the discovery of a colony of critically endangered distinguished jumping spiders. He cited the case as an example of unnecessary restrictions on development, stating:

“Take the project in Ebbsfleet to build more than 15,000 new homes... The plan was blocked by Natural England. Why? The discovery of a colony of ‘distinguished jumping spiders.’ The dream of home ownership for thousands of families, held back by arachnids. It’s nonsense. And we’ll stop it.”

However, this is an oversimplification of the situation, and it is disappointing to see this complex issue misrepresented. The vast majority of the 15,000 homes are going ahead. However, 1,300 homes were proposed for development on the Swanscombe Peninsula, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The distinguished jumping spider is not found in the area where those homes were proposed but in other protected parts of the SSSI. These other areas are home to rare and endangered species, including distinguished jumping spider, man orchid, water vole, marsh harrier, nightingale, over a thousand of invertebrate species, and even seals.

All of the SSSI, including where the 1,300 were planned, are vital habitats that we simply cannot afford to lose.

We must move beyond the narrative of ‘nature versus growth.’ Sustainable development, which respects and integrates the natural environment, benefits both people and wildlife. Our priority must be to ensure that future communities are built in a way that protects our most precious ecosystems, creating places that are not only liveable but also resilient and rich in biodiversity.

We are committed to working with policymakers, developers, and conservationists to find solutions that balance housing needs with the protection of the UK’s natural heritage.

@Natures_Voice, @Buzz_dont_tweet, @sspcampaign, @CPREKent, @WildlifeTrusts

[Dan Chilcott @danabouttown]

@riversideros @JonathanTapp @OurWestgate @Coastman2020 @JacquiBee1920 @ThanetLass @IsleThanetNews @craigiouk @Roman_Britain @HistoricEngland Are there archeological reports on this land? And the other sites in thanet? I thought every development had to do that?

[Dan Chilcott @danabouttown]

This is such a shame - surprised and saddened. Many moons ago I was a Trustee & have always been impressed by their work engaging young people in democracy and campaigns. Needed now more than ever...

[British Youth Council @bycLIVE]

The British Youth Council is sad to announce its permanent closure after more than 75 years of championing the voices of young people.

https://t.co/HkK5U3dAIW

[Dan Chilcott @danabouttown]

Great to see @lucyfrazermp @DCMS speaking to @DansTwitBits from https://t.co/p8lp52LuOg about @createsoutheast - we’re helping founders who are working towards investment & growth. Applications currently open to creative biz across Essex, Kent & Sussex: https://t.co/QGEOntkt8B

[Lucy Frazer @lucyfrazer_]

Today I have announced 6 new areas will benefit from £10.9m new funding from the Create Growth Programme - helping creative businesses to access finance, training and scale up.

I spoke to founder of A+C studios, Dan Richards about how the programme benefitted his company

[Create South East @createsoutheast]

Are you a creative business operating in #Essex, #Kent or #Sussex with an ambition to grow? Creative businesses in the South East can now apply for a free programme of support to accelerate, create jobs, and prepare for investment. For more info visit: https://t.co/52J2hw3o1k

[The Royal Society of Arts @theRSAorg]

Last week, we announced that we'll be hosting @CreativePEC, alongside @UniofNewcastle! The Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre's new twin hub model will bring huge benefits to the UK’s creative sector.

Read more below.
https://t.co/picsmmZdQJ

[Dan Chilcott @danabouttown]

@cohesionplus @LordLieutKent Great news - congratulations

[Dan Chilcott @danabouttown]

@EmilyMa19032239 @aldinsabic_ @dakota_schiffer Who made it? It’s great!!

[Dan Chilcott @danabouttown]

@C20Cymru @C20Society Any news on what’s happening with the theatre there? Magnificent building

[Dan Chilcott @danabouttown]

@francesmcf @Lucywwatson @Glitterbeard_ Ok so - the add assumes terrace house for approx £500k. If £30k salary gives you £135k mortgage, the deposit is £365k

[Dan Chilcott @danabouttown]

@francesmcf @Lucywwatson @Glitterbeard_ I thought exactly this - but if the ad assumes they are saving £11k in stamp duty, what does it assume the price of the house is, and therefore the amount of deposit?

[Dan Chilcott @danabouttown]

@alxaraya @natsechobbyist Looks like an interesting book. Surely “let people do whatever they want” and “public space” are at loggerheads conceptually?

[Dan Chilcott @danabouttown]

@Pgcom10 Margate Carnival was the previous Sunday

[Dan Chilcott @danabouttown]

@lesiavasylenko Margate UK twinned with Yalta UKR - we are with you

[Dan Chilcott @danabouttown]

@_griff Male pattern baldness is an existential risk...

[Save Our Fields, Westgate & Garlinge, Kent 🍃💚🍃 @OurWestgate]

Our neighbouring village of Birchington is also fighting a planning application for 1650 houses. Also on farmland. They have an action group on FB here https://t.co/z6WNoMI8hW… #saveourfields #BackBritishFarming #foodsecurity @DefraGovUK @NaturalEngland @NFUtweets

[Dan Chilcott @danabouttown]

@OurWestgate you’re doing great work :) numbers will grow

[Dan Chilcott @danabouttown]

Thanet needs good quality social housing with access to town centres and amenities. Town centres need investment. And we need to increase the quality of new builds. Building on greenfield sites won’t do any of this IMO, and actually diminishes our future resources @OurWestgate