Orchard Farm

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

Sylvan’s Principals Julian Forbes-Laird and Alistair Baxter have 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, Sylvan 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. Sylvan 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 and Julian 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 detailed can be found at this link here.

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