Dogloitch and Dum Woods have been protected by their isolation for more than 400 years.
The proposed development will encircle a large portion of both woods with houses and factories.
The Developer’s own Impact Assessment states that increased access and use will likely lead to damage of the woodland, fly-tipping, trampling and loss of biodiversity. The Assessment states the impact would be negative, significant at District Level – and possibly irreversible.
The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, The Woodland Trust and The CPRE have all objected to the proposed development.
The Forestry Commission response to the development starts with this statement: