The BBC and ITV have withdrawn involvement with a £3.5billion theme park project in Swanscombe due to the threat it poses to wildlife.

The London Resort would transform Swanscombe Peninsula, which is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to an array of wildlife, including the distinguished jumping spider, an endangered species found in just one other part of the country.

According to MailOnline, the park was due to feature rides inspired by BBC shows such as Doctor Who, Top Gear and Sherlock as well as ITV's Thunderbirds.

Following a campaign which suggested the project, particularly its threat to the spider, was in “direct conflict” with the BBC’s environmental aims, the broadcaster confirmed it had withdrawn, with ITV reaching the same decision.

This Is Local London: The park was due to feature rides inspired by BBC shows (London Resort)The park was due to feature rides inspired by BBC shows (London Resort)

A BBC spokesman told MailOnline: 'BBC Studios has no commercial agreement in place with London Resort and no current plans to enter into any agreement. 

'We would only consider doing so should there be clear and decisive evidence that the project would have a net positive environmental impact.'

An ITV spokesman added: 'ITV's arrangement with the London Resort was that we were a potential licensor of one of our children's brands, which was Thunderbirds.

'We can confirm that ITV no longer has a commercial arrangement with London Resort as the agreement has now ended. This means that Thunderbirds will not be a part of the park.'

Doubts were raised about the future of the project earlier this month after the developer’s request to delay its planning application was rejected.

SSSI status does not exempt the area from development but is given “due weight” in the planning process, which is ultimately decided by government.

Speaking in October, London Resort CEO PY Gerbeau claimed the plans for the the 250-hectare (620-acre) site, which lies between the M25 and Gravesend, were on track despite "all the naysayers and doom-mongers."

Wildlife groups say the nationally important wildlife area should not be developed.

Buglife, the RSPB and Kent Wildlife Trust are urging Natural England to do everything in its power to ensure the area is protected.

Responding to news of the BBC and ITV’s exit, a spokesperson for the London Resort told Mail Online: “Nobody ever said major infrastructure projects were easy or quick. We look forward to delivering the first top tier theme park for the UK.”

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletters to get updates sent straight to your inbox.