THE East Street redevelopment and its possible effect on the special protection area for endangered birds north of the town has attracted the criticism of a Member of the European Parliament. Green Party MEP Caroline Lucas, who represent the South East, has added her objection to the thousands already received by Waverley Council against Crest Nicholson's planning applications. She has written to the council saying she shares the views of those who feel that a large multi-screen cinema is out of keeping with the character of the area. A smaller cinema would be preferable, allowing for the retention of a theatre, she said. However, the MEP's particular concern related to the application of European level legislation – the Habitats Directive – to the proposal. Criticising Waverley's current strategy for dealing with the Special Protection Area (SPA) issue, she commented: "It is very uncertain that enhancement of Farnham Park will draw the majority of new residents away from the nearby Thames Basin Heath SPA. Farnham Park is already well-used and well-managed and cannot in any sense be described as wild." Residents, she believed, would still seek a more natural area in which to walk or to exercise their dogs. "If this proves to be the case, then this development would seem likely to have a detrimental effect on TBH SPA and species for which it was notified." • EAST Street developer Crest Nicholson has been awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise 2007, in the sustainable development category. On behalf of the Queen, Sarah Goad, the Lord- Lieutenant of Surrey visited the Chertsey-based developer for a special ceremony to mark Crest Nicholson's achievements in the delivery of sustainable homes and community regeneration. Only one other housebuilder is believed to have won the award between 2002 and 2006. Crest Nicholson was commended for its commitment to environmental performance and the measures it has taken to reduce its ecological footprint by minimising consumption of materials, increasing energy efficiency and reducing waste and carbon dioxide emissions. The company also received special merit for its community and stakeholder consultation methods and its determination to enhance the sustainability performance of its suppliers by integrating sustainable procurement criteria into tenders.