February 2025

Evidence presented at public inquiry by Aspect Ecology in regard to an ancient woodland SSSI leads to grant of planning permission

Aspect Ecology’s Senior Director, Alistair Baxter, has presented evidence in respect of a proposal for up to 300 residential dwellings in Worcestershire. The site was allocated in the draft local plan at the Regulation 18 stage, but subsequently removed at the Regulation 19 stage, due to concerns over potential effects on an adjacent SSSI designated for its ancient woodland interest.

To understand the sensitivity of the woodland and assess potential effects that could arise from the proposals, Aspect Ecology undertook a suite of survey work. Utilising this data, a mitigation package was then drawn up to address effects arising including in respect of recreational footfall into the woodland, alongside potential effects from domestic pets in the form of dogs and cats. Aspect Ecology developed the mitigation proposals based on analogous successful and proven case studies of development in proximity to woodland, combined with an exceptional buffering and green infrastructure package. Alistair presented these mitigation proposals at inquiry, along with the guarantee of in-perpetuity funding, to demonstrate that no adverse effects would arise on the SSSI from the proposals. The Inspector agreed with this conclusion and granted permission.

More details can be found at this link here.

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