My Go Ape objection

Here is my objection to Go Ape coming into Normanby Park - you too can click and object here 

http://www.planning.northlincs.gov.uk/api/Cached/PlanningWeb?ReqType=F&Refno=PA/2017/803

I wish to object for the following reasons:

• A peaceful and historic woodland, a daily haven for people, will be damaged irreparably.
• Breeding bird survey - why has this not been carried out there are four red data birds breeding in the woodland currently  - Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Greenfinch and Spotted Flycatcher, another two red data birds Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (was seen in the park last Saturday and although hasn’t bred in the last few years did always breed in this area of the wood) and Woodcock.  On the amber list there is Stock Dove and Tawny Owl which also both breed in the wood.  I can see from the Ecological Survey that a senior ecologist saw “a robin, crow and mallard” ! in two minutes I can identify 20 species of bird on call alone in the wood and have recorded at least 90 species of bird within the park. I can’t see that any assessment has been made on the impact of the development on woodland birds.
• Great Crested Newts, I accept there is no suitable breeding ponds within the park however there is a registered breeding site with 300 metres and the likelihood is that these newts will overwinter in the woodland. Due to enormous declines in range and abundance in the last century, the great crested newt is strictly protected by British and European law which makes it an offence to: kill, injure, capture or disturb them; damage or destroy their habitat; and to possess, sell or trade. This law refers to all great crested newt life stages, including eggs. 
• Bats - 9 species use the woodland for feeding and roosting you cannot convince me that the noise produced by people swinging through the trees will not deter the bats from roosting - Legislation dictates that any structure or place which bats use for shelter or protection are protected.  This legislation has been incorporated into planning policies and planning authorities have a legal obligation to consider whether bats are likely to be affected. If a bat survey demonstrates that development is likely to affect bat foraging linear features such as tree lines should be retained and compensatory planting considered.  A condition should be placed on the decision notice requiring the developer to apply for and obtain a European Protected Species License before work commences.
• At a meeting held in the park for parish councillors a number of Normanby residents expressed strong concerns over increased traffic and noise pointing out that the car park is often full at weekends now, however in Go Apes information leaflet to residents it states "Go Ape will create a very small increase in car journeys".  The council representative at the meeting also stated that "this will not be a big money earner for the council" which begs the question why then invite them in!
• Again the Council/Go Ape literature says up to 30 jobs will be created - in reality their Business Development Manager says there will be 2 full-time jobs and then part-time students will be used - presumably not on the living wage.
• Planning permission should be refused for development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and the loss of aged or veteran trees found outside ancient woodland, unless the need for, and benefits of the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss - I understand 8 mature trees are to be cut down, how can this be given that Normanby village is in a conservation zone?
• Water Shrew, Stoat, European Hare, Roe Deer, Wood Mouse, Yellow Necked Mouse, Muntjac, Grey Squirrel, Hedgehogs all use this woodland
• Lesser Stag Beetle locally rare in N Lincs is present in the wood
• How could the Council produce a booklet “Find North Lincolnshire” announcing “Coming Soon Go Ape” before the planning application had even gone in - is the decision cut and dried, is the Council corrupt!
• The site will be viewable from the main road running down the side of the park - how will cyclists be protected from car drivers distracted while looking at people swinging through the wood - at least two cars a year end up crashing through the wall and into the park now
• At least ten Normanby residents houses/gardens back onto the wood, these residents currently have to listen to the speedway throughout the season which is over a kilometre away, can they now be expected to listen to potential  Go Ape stag parties and corporate team building events and eight zip wires and their associated noise from Feb-Nov 8.00-21.00 every day?
• In my opinion the council are allowing private enterprise to capitalise on a public asset for a quick buck.
• Are we to accept the privatisation of public spaces and the actual privatisation of play for our children.
• It is my great hope that people will not be able to view two classes of children at play, segregated at the entrance by their parents’ incomes - can the average Scunthorpe family afford £25/£33 for one child or will it be children from outside the area who benefit
• Finally Normanby Hall Country Park has been an oasis offering a calm and tranquil area full of wildlife ideal for woodland walks and picnics it was never meant to be a theme park to back-up a cash strapped Council.