Forestry track for woodland rejected

AN application to build a forestry track on a plot off land in Gallowstree Common has been rejected.

Daniel Sharp, of London, purchased a 31-hectare plot of woodland known as Withy Copse, which is designated as ancient woodland and sits within the Chilterns National Landscape.

The Forestry Commission had recently approved a woodland management plan and felling licence for the “sustainable production of timber and wood fuel” and “conservation and restoration of woodland habitats”.

Miller Land Management, on behalf of Mr Sharp, applied to South Oxfordshire District Council for permission to build a 3m wide crushed concrete access track to facilitate woodland management.

In the design and method statement, the firm said existing unsurfaced access tracks are overgrown and prone to waterlogging.

However, the district council said it would cause significant harm to the ancient woodland.

Planning officer Tom Wyatt said it would be feasible to manage the woodland without the tracks in place.

He said: “The proposed tracks as a result of their means of construction would cause harm to the ancient woodland, through damaging ground flora, understory vegetation and soils, and likely encroaching into the root protection areas of the ancient woodland trees.”

Residents had also questioned the need for a forestry track of that size for woodland maintenance.

Robert Walker, of Streatley, who owns woodland at Withy Copse, said tracks would be suitable for motor vehicles but not for forestry vehicles.

Jane Makower, of Withy Copse, said although the woodland needed to be managed, she objected to the “size, scale and nature” of the crushed concrete tracks.

Kidmore End Parish Council said it applauded the management of the woodland, but said the “size, scale and nature” of the track would be “intrusive” and “not in keeping” with the ancient woodland.

CPRE Oxfordshire said the proposal would impact a “well-used” woodland path known as FP18 which links Cane End with Gallowstree Common and forms part of various circular walks.