Over 11,500 of you helped save the existing wording
around protection of ancient trees and woods when the Government
reduced over 1000 pages of planning policy to just 52. Thank you -
it was an amazing achievement, yet still more needs to be done to
remove the damaging loophole in the draft National Planning Policy
Framework (NPPF). This new document currently out for consultation
will allow development 'if the need for and benefits of development
in that location clearly outweigh the loss' basically, economics
trumps environment.
Read our blog and learn more about the Woodland
Trust's views
Loss of ancient woods and ancient trees is not
acceptable. We want to help Government to achieve its goal of
creating clear planning guidance by simply removing the loophole. We
have had an emergency meeting with the Department for Communities
and Local Government (DCLG) telling them of our concerns over their
presumption in favour of sustainable development. They have asked us
to suggest alternative wording.
Take part in our quick poll - should the
Government remove the loophole?
Because you were so influential in getting the
wording secured please back up our call to remove the loophole. If
Government doesnt hear us en masse and as loudly as
possible through its own channels, it could give them the excuse to disregard what's said. This
is our only opportunity to secure and strengthen protection for
ancient woods and trees in the planning system.
Respond to the official consultation
|