Dominic Browne 01 August 2019

Councils flout ancient woodland protections, campaigners say

One year on from strengthened protection for ancient woodland in England, local planners are still 'failing to safeguard' the habitat, the Woodland Trust has claimed.

The number of ancient woods in England still under threat from live planning applications currently stands at 441, with councils accused of undermining the Government's guidance by waving through developments that do not pass the 'wholly exceptional' threshold.

This figure represents a drop of 25% on last year, suggesting the new protections have been effective in some areas, although some councils are either unaware or ignoring them, according to campaigners.

Changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) gave ancient woodland and trees the same protection as the finest listed buildings.

The NPPF wording stipulates that developments resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees 'should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists'.

However, developments such as caravan parks or chicken and dairy farms have been approved over the last year resulting in loss or damage to ancient woodland.

Woodland Trust director of conservation, Abi Bunker said: 'It is heartbreaking to see that one year on from the groundbreaking changes to the NPPF, there are still too many councils and developers across England that are not implementing the level of protection it affords to ancient woods and trees.

'Some local authorities are doing this really well and should be applauded, but we need all planning authorities and developers to fully implement the changes and secure our remaining ancient trees and woodlands for future generations.'

This article first appeared on Transport Network.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner