Ancient woodland appeal decision and local consent.
The Secretary of State has now issued the much delayed decision on the land at Boughton Lane, Maidstone following a public inquiry at which Alistair Baxter, Ecology Director, presented evidence as an expert witness in conjunction with Julian Forbes-Laird of FLAC (www.flac.uk.com).
Unfortunately the appeal was dismissed, primarily on transport and design grounds. However, we are very pleased to report that the SoS agreed entirely with all of Aspect Ecology’s points in respect of ancient woodland matters.
A copy of the SoS’s decision and the Inspector’s report can be found at this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recovered-appeal-land-at-boughton-lane-loose-maidstone-kent-me15-9ql-ref-2227839-3-march-2016
We are also pleased to report news of success in regard to another scheme that Aspect Ecology and FLAC have been working on in Shropshire involving ancient woodland. This involved the extension of an existing poultry rearing facility which was located within replanted ancient woodland. We are delighted that the LPA accepted our arguments that the harm arising from the loss of plantation ancient woodland could be compensated by the restoration of the retained plantation back to broadleaf woodland in conjunction with a new area of woodland planting.
Details in regard to the scheme can be found at this link: https://pa.shropshire.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=NY4NI8TDJ8P00
