Activists are concerned that Prince William’s plan to continue building a development located on land ‘so rich in biodiversity’ will endanger the habitat of many protected species.
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What is the ‘garden city’?
The plans for the 2,500 housing development were drawn up when King Charles was the Duke of Cornwall and still in charge of the Duchy of Cornwall. However, Prince William has since taken over, inheriting the title after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The services in the new community, which will be located near Faversham in Kent, are set to include a primary school, cricket field, shops and offices. The construction of the eco-village could create thousands of new jobs.
The project’s estate director claimed:
We have created a plan underpinned by our key principles of working with the landscape and existing natural environment to build a sustainable community.
The idea is that the infrastructure will be made of low-carbon materials, and the town will rely on solar panels and battery storage.
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When describing the project, the estate director said:
Beautifully-designed public spaces and streets will be designed around the pedestrian rather than the car, and provide a sense of wellbeing and connection to nature, helping to create a new community that will thrive in the longest term, for people and the planet.
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‘Concerns about losing such good farmland’
However, despite claims that the new town will be fully sustainable and promises to ensure a net biodiversity gain of 20%, activists want the Duchy of Cornwall to scrap the project. These same concerns were also raised when the project was under King Charles’ supervision.
They fear the project might destroy the local environment and its protected species, such as bats, lizards, butterflies, and wild orchids.
Local resident Mark Sewell worries about losing farmland and the impact this project will have on the environment, stating:
I have concerns about losing such good farmland. In the current climate, we need food self-security. Farmland should be kept in operation at all costs.
He claims to have emailed Prince William with his concerns, hoping he might be ‘more sympathetic to the environmental damage that will be caused’ but has yet to receive a reply.
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According to Express, a spokesperson for the Duchy of Cornwall addressed the concerns, saying that ‘building on farmland’ was less than ideal. Still, there is ‘an acute need for more affordable homes locally’.
The spokesperson said:
Swale Borough Council has identified Duchy of Cornwall land in Southeast Faversham as the most suitable location for the future growth of the town. As a result, the Duchy is committed to working with local people to ensure we deliver the most sustainable development it can be.
Sources used:
- Express: Anger as Prince William's estate to push on with plan to 'destroy habitats' on UK land
- Mail Online: Prince William's Duchy of Cornwall will carry on with his father's plan to build 2,500-home 'garden city' on farmland
- Fox News: Prince William's giant 'garden city' slammed by climate activists
