Large-scale peninsula revamp scrapped by government

A wildlife charity has welcomed a government decision to scrap a large-scale development plan.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has repeatedly raised concerns over Portsmouth City Council's plans for Tipner West.

The authority intended to build up to 800 homes in the north-west part of Portsea Island, as well as a marine employment hub and work to improve sea defences.

However, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has ruled the public benefits of the development do not outweigh the ecological damage it would cause.

Tipner West is a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which the wildlife trust has fought to protect alongside the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

The organisation has previously launched a petition against the plans, which gained more than 25,000 signatures.

Acting in her role as secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, Ms Rayner supported the nature charities.

Debbie Tann, chief executive of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said she was "pleased" with the government's decision.

She explained it "closed the door on proposals that would have seen development trashing both important harbour habitats and legal safeguards".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, it has now been suggested a nature reserve could be included to the south of Tipner West, alongside a reduced-scale employment hub and housing development.

Ms Tann added: "The suggested inclusion of a nature reserve at the south of the site is a significant step forward and will be essential in safeguarding the habitats that provide vital feeding and roosting grounds for threatened wading bird species."

Portsmouth Harbour and the wider Solent area are home to 30 per cent of the UK's over-wintering population of dark-bellied brent geese, as well as dunlin, black-tailed godwits, and many other wintering waders.

Gemma Cantelo, from the RSPB, said: "This is a win for nature, people and the local community.

"We thank the many thousands of people who stood together with RSPB and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to help safeguard this precious area and deliver a greener future for local people and future generations."

Council leader, Steve Pitt said the decision allows his administration to move ahead with the project "with a different balance of nature, employment and housing" alongside adequate flood defences.

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