Hanham District Green Belt Conservation Society stands firm in its opposition to the proposed development of 140 houses on land known as "The Batch," adjacent to the ancient Hencliff Wood. This stance is not just about preserving green space but about protecting an irreplaceable natural heritage that has been part of our landscape for centuries. Here are the key reasons why this development must be rejected:
1. Deterioration of Ancient Woodland
Hencliff Wood is an Ancient Semi Natural Woodland (ASNW), recognised on Natural England’s Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI). It is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) and part of the Avon Valley Woodlands Local Nature Reserve (LNR). The Woodland Trust, the UK's leading woodland conservation charity, has raised significant concerns about the potential impact of the proposed development on this vital habitat.
The Woodland Trust's objections, documented in their response to planning application P23/01330/O, outline several detrimental effects that the development could have on Hencliff Wood:
Recreational Disturbance: Increased human activity, including walking and pet exercise, can lead to trampling, litter, fire damage, and disturbance to wildlife, particularly breeding birds.
Fragmentation: The separation of the woodland from adjacent natural habitats will disrupt ecological networks, essential for wildlife movement and plant pollination.
Pollution: Construction and subsequent habitation will introduce noise, light, and dust pollution, all of which negatively impact the delicate ecosystems within the woodland.
Tree Safety Concerns: Public access near woodland edges can lead to indiscriminate lopping or felling of trees for perceived safety reasons, reducing canopy cover and harming the woodland’s integrity.
Hydrological Impacts: Changes in water runoff patterns due to hard-standing areas can alter the woodland’s water supply, introducing pollutants and affecting the health of trees and undergrowth.
Invasive Species: Development often brings non-native plant species, which can outcompete native flora, altering the woodland’s biodiversity.
2. Inadequate Mitigation Measures
The applicant’s proposed mitigation measures, including a minimal 15-metre buffer zone, fail to address the comprehensive range of impacts identified. The Woodland Trust advocates for a buffer of at least 50 metres to effectively protect the ancient woodland from encroachment and pollution. This larger buffer is crucial given the scale of the proposed development and its proximity to the woodland.
3. Non-Compliance with National and Local Policies
The proposed development contravenes several key policies designed to protect ancient woodland:
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Paragraph 186(c): This policy explicitly states that development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, such as ancient woodland, should be refused unless there are wholly exceptional reasons, which do not apply in this case.
South Gloucestershire Local Plan: Policies CS9, PSP3, and PSP19 emphasize the importance of protecting ancient woodland and wider biodiversity. The proposed development does not align with these policies.
4. Irreplaceable Nature of Ancient Woodland
Ancient woodland is a precious resource that has developed over centuries. It provides critical ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, soil stabilisation, and supporting biodiversity. Once lost, ancient woodland cannot be recreated. The long-term benefits of preserving such habitats far outweigh the short-term gains of development.
5. Community and Ecological Value
Hencliff Wood is not just an ecological asset but also a cultural and recreational haven for the local community. Its preservation contributes to the health and well-being of residents, offering a natural retreat and educational resource. The proposed development threatens this valuable community asset.
6. Natural England and Forestry Commission ‘Standing Advice’
This is the Natural England and Forestry Commission’s ‘standing advice’ for ancient woodland, ancient trees, and veteran trees, and it is a material planning consideration for local planning authorities (LPAs). This advice must be taken into account when making planning decisions affecting these irreplaceable habitats.
According to the standing advice, ancient woodland takes hundreds of years to establish and is defined as an irreplaceable habitat. It is a valuable natural asset important for:
Wildlife: Including rare and threatened species.
Soils: Which are unique and undisturbed.
Carbon Capture and Storage: Essential for mitigating climate change.
Genetic Diversity: Contributing to the seed bank.
Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing: Offering natural spaces for the community.
Cultural, Historical, and Landscape Value: Serving as living historical records.
Ancient woodlands include ancient semi-natural woodland (ASNW) and plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS). Both types are given equal protection under the NPPF. Similarly, ancient and veteran trees, whether in wood pastures, parklands, or hedgerows, are also irreplaceable and must be conserved.
Making Decisions
When making planning decisions, LPAs should:
Conserve and Enhance Biodiversity: Ensuring development avoids or reduces impacts on ancient woodland and ancient trees.
Refuse Planning Permission: If the development results in loss or deterioration of ancient woodland, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy is in place.
Paragraph 186(c) of the NPPF should guide these decisions, emphasizing that ancient woodlands and trees are irreplaceable and compensation should not be a factor in assessing development merits.
Conclusion
The proposed development at "The Batch" threatens to irreversibly damage Hencliff Wood, an ancient and irreplaceable natural habitat. The objections raised by the Woodland Trust, supported by Natural England and Forestry Commission’s standing advice, underscore the need to protect this woodland from harmful development. Hanham District Green Belt Conservation Society urges South Gloucestershire Council to reject this application to ensure the long-term preservation of Hencliff Wood for future generations.
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