Save Crossness Nature Reserve

Cory want to build their Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) facility on Crossness Nature Reserve!

The Save Crossness Nature Reserve campaign group whole-heartedly object to Cory's planning application if it means losing any land at the nature reserve - one of only four Local Nature Reserves (LNR) in Bexley, a Metropolitan Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (MSINC) and Metropolitan Open Land (MOL).

Wildlife sees no boundaries. Cory's suggested mitigation plan is a deception - the adjacent Norman Road Field site (currently owned by Peabody) is already a wonderful area for nature and cannot compensate for taking and building on Crossness Nature Reserve.

We are not opposed to Cory cleaning up their act, but want them to find another location, preferably on existing industrial land.

THE THREAT

WHAT?

Cory have applied to compulsory purchase 11.7% of the 25 hectares of land at Crossness Nature Reserve - an area created under a Section 106 agreement (click here for further details).

This is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) so needs approval from the Secretary of State (not the local authority).

WHY?

Cory want to build a decarbonisation plant on this part of the reserve, to reach their net zero goals.

The technology will collect carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by their incinerators and compress it into a liquid. This will be stored on site until shipped to the North Sea and pumped into empty oil and gas fields, deep under the ocean floor.

WHEN?

Anyone can register and comment on the planning application (click here). The deadline is Sunday, 16th June. Registering an objection as an Interested Party gives you the option but does not make it mandatory to attend later hearings.

There will then be a period where more detailed ‘Written Representations’ can be submitted. This will be followed by a series of hearings later in the year, which would be in-person. You DO NOT have to attend or speak at any hearings.

Click here to watch Cory's public consultation webinar recorded 15 November 2023

DRONE IMAGE WITH OWNERSHIP BOUNDARIES

Full aerial map showing all ownership boundaries.jpg

Drone image courtesy of Chasing Millimetres

ARTIST IMPRESSION OF CCS FACILITY

We have marked up Weedon Architect's impression of the proposed CCS plan. We understand the two absorber columns (closet to the existing incinerator buildings) will be around 116 meters tall (the height of a 34-storey building). The CO2 conditioning and compression structures will be approximately 50 meters (a 15-storey building).

Norman Road Field and CNR_edited_edited_edited.png

This photo shows how Crossness Nature Reserve and the mitigation site are next to each other, divided by a post and rail fence. Wildlife already use and move between the two pieces of land - they do not see one as Crossness Nature Reserve and the other as Norman Road Field. Transferring ownership cannot be considered mitigation for losing 11.7% of Crossness Nature Reserve.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

SIGN OUR PETITION

Please add your signature to our change.org petition - click here. Remember to check your email and confirm your email address otherwise your signature won't be counted.

SEND AN OBJECTION

Cory's planning application is at the 'Pre-examination' stage. You can now register and submit your comments. Registration deadline is 23.59 on 16th June 2024 - click here.

We strongly encourage EVERYONE to submit an individual representation in opposition to Cory's scheme, even if you have signed our petition. Registering and submitting comments DOES NOT mean you have to speak or attend any of the hearings.

See our facts/suggested wording page for ideas, but please individualise your letter as the Examining Authority may treat identical comments as one objection. Please also send a copy of your comments to your Ward Councillor (found here) and ask for their support.

DONATE

We have some very knowledgeable people within our campaign group but we need independent ecologists and solicitors to represent us during this examination stage and hearings.

Our CrowdJustice page will be launched soon, to raise funds for these professional costs.

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

If you would like to be kept updated about the campaign please complete this form and we will add you to our mailing list.

Also, if you have any questions or information for us please also use this form.

You can sign up for Planning Inspectorate updates here.

Cory's decarbonisation web page can be found here.

SAVE CROSSNESS NATURE RESERVE