Secretary of State Hazel Blears has given greater protection to ancient woodland in a landmark planning decision.
Local residents led by Stuart Meier and Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT), have won a crucial victory against blanket development in Bolnore Village, West Sussex by saving Four Acre Wood – a small but important area of regenerating ancient woodland near Haywards Heath.
Dr Tony Whitbread, Chief Executive of SWT, who gave evidence to the Inquiry says,
“Saving Four Acre Wood from development has fully recognised an updated definition of ancient woodland built into this report. This site was unwooded for 20 years and lightly grazed but there is so much more to a wood than just trees. Four Acre Wood has always been a valuable site for woodland species such as bluebell and wood anemone, and mammals including the dormouse. This decision recognises the complexity of ancient woodland – historically they will not have been continuously covered in trees as some developers claim.”
Other new national precedents regarding ancient woodland protection set out in the Bolnore Inspector’s Report include;
- A minimum standard of 15 metre wide buffer strips between housing development and ancient woodland - exactly three times the basic size proposed by developers, Crest Nicolson Plc.
- The exclusion of ecological assets including ancient woodland and wildlife buffers in assessing developable areas. In Bolnore’s case this has resulted in a reduction of 100 houses or 13% from the original build plan.
- An ecological management plan is required to ensure the conservation of ecological assets in the future.
Dr Tony Whitbread continues,
“After a hard fought, three year campaign by local residents and community groups, this decision gives clear guidance that the requirement for development in the South East should not override the status of ancient woodland. This outcome means more green space not only for the new residents of Bolnore Village but for its’ existing wildlife.”
Local campaigners raised over £20,000 to fight for the improvements made by Hazel Blears. Campaign leader, Stuart Meier says, “This result shows the tremendous influence local people can have if they work together with local councillors and conservation groups such as SWT. By focussing your efforts you can really influence critical decisions from a local level. This has been a great team effort and local people are delighted that Hazel Blears has come to this decision.”
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For more information on SWT please visit the website at www.sussexwt.org.uk
Stuart Meier, leader of the local campaigners in Haywards Heath, is available for interview. Please ring him on 01444 441645 or contact him by email stuartm2007@gmail.com
Dr Tony Whitbread, Chief Executive of SWT, is available for interview on Wednesday 31 January, Thursday 1 or Friday 2 February. Please contact
Press Officer, Amanda Solomon, on 01273 492630 to arrange a suitable time.
