Ancient Woodlands are irreplaceable. It is Government Policy to refuse development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy. It is important to note that damage can occur even when there is not a direct loss of Ancient Woodland.
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:
Ancient woodlands are irreplaceable. They have great value because they have a long history of woodland cover. It is Government policy to refuse development that will result in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats including ancient woodland, unless “there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists.
The Land Owner’s (The Church Commissioners for England) own impact assessments (pg 309) state: ‘With a development site of this scale, some impacts remain significant
The Church Commissioners (land owners) will make a huge-profit on the land if it is sold with Planning Permission; Kirklees Council have released the land
We can all visit Dogloitch and Dum Woods whenever we want to. They have been a haven to many, particularly during the last year. Easily
How ancient are our Ancient Woodlands at Chidswell and Heybeck? Dum and Dogloitch Woods are two distinct woodlands. Just a moderate stroll separates the two
