Wednesday 12 October 2011

News - Loophole threat to ancient woods (Notts

ANCIENT woods in Notts are at risk of destruction under the Government's planning policy changes, according to the Woodland Trust.

There are currently 430 ancient woods in the UK under threat, including Gedling Wood and Three Hills Wood, also known as Colwick Woods.

The trust is campaigning for the removal of a loophole in planning policy and is urging people to have their say before a public consultation closes on October 17.

Sue Holden, chief executive of the trust, said: "We are calling for new protection for all ancient woods to bring it into line with the protection placed on historic buildings. The loophole, if it remains, will make planning policy an axe-man's charter, leaving ancient woodland under threat."

The loophole is in Paragraph 169 of the draft planning policy, which relates to the protection of wildlife habitats from development. It states that applications should not bring about loss of habitats "unless the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss".

Have your say at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/planningchanges.

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