Construction of a £2 billion Paramount theme park has been delayed following the discovery of a rare species of spider, planners claim.
The Swanscombe Peninsula site in Kent is reportedly one of only two UK locations where the rare jumping spider – known as the sitticus distinguendus – exists.
Dartford Borough Council head Jeremy Kite said: “In the past we’ve moved fish, we’ve sent voles away on holiday; it’s fairly common and protects them from building works.
“Then when they’re finished they’re brought back,” he added.
The company behind the 872-acre theme park project said: “We will look after the spiders. We’re doing a good thing.”
The theme park is scheduled to be completed in 2019, and will include Europe’s largest indoor water park.