APPEAL TO ADD SUPPORTERS: PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION BY 2 MAY, 26 April 2017: As ADD supporters know, the protection of ancient woodland is an important issue in our efforts to prevent Eastleigh Borough Council from pressing ahead with its plans to build 6,000+ new houses and a major new road north of Bishopstoke and Fair Oak (namely options B and C of its Local Plan). The beautiful countryside in this area includes seven sites of ancient woodland: Stoke Park Wood, Crowdhill Copse, Upper Barn Copse, Hill Copse, Park Hills Wood, Hallands Copse and Tippers Copse.
The government’s recent housing white paper suggests giving additional protection for sites of ancient woodland within the National Planning Policy Framework. However, the white paper does not go as far as to suggest removing a key get-out clause that local authorities and builders are using to avoid their responsibilities. The get-out clause states: “Ancient Woodland enjoys a presumption in favour of retention, save in circumstances that… the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location clearly outweighs the loss.”
A number of organisations, including the Woodland Trust, are campaigning to get this clause removed. However time is running out as the white paper’s consultation period ends at 11.45pm NEXT TUESDAY, 2 MAY 2017.
The simplest and quickest way to support the change is by adding your name to the Woodland Trust’s petition on this matter. To do so, please CLICK HERE. A letter to your local MP would, of course, also help the cause.
A small change in the wording within the white paper may seem a minor matter, but it could add strength to our campaign to protect options B and C from the council’s devastating proposals.
PLEASE SIGN UP TO THE PETITION NOW AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO SO TOO!
