PROTECTION OF BROWNFIELD WILDLIFE SITES

That this House recognises that a significant number of brownfield or previously-developed sites are rich in endangered and protected wildlife; notes the important role that these brownfield sites have to play in the conservation of wildlife and delivering the EU commitment to halt biodiversity loss by 2010; is concerned that current planning policy is leading to the loss of many of these key wildlife habitats, such as the north lagoon of West Thurrock Marshes, a nationally important site that supports almost a thousand species of animals, birds and reptiles, including 36 rare invertebrates listed in the Red Data Book and three on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, yet which is now threatened with development; and calls upon the Government to work in partnership with local and regional government and environmental protection agencies to protect and enhance the brownfield biodiversity found on sites such as West Thurrock Marshes.