Housing targets threaten ancient woods, campaigners warn
Campaigners are warning that the UK government's housing targets and new 'grey belt' planning policies threaten ancient woodlands. Despite existing protections, reports indicate that numerous planned developments are situated immediately adjacent to these irreplaceable habitats.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between urgent national housing needs and the preservation of critical environmental ecosystems.
Image source, Local Democracy Reporting Service Image caption, People living near Chaddesden Wood in Derby are among those who have been campaigning to protect ancient sites
Ancient woodland campaigners fear a drive to build more houses could put some of England's oldest habitats under increasing pressure, despite government protections designed to prevent their loss.
The protected areas can only be built on or near in "wholly exceptional circumstances", according to planning policy.
But the Labour government's pledge to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of 2029 and the recent creation of the "grey belt" - areas of poorer quality open spaces that can be built on - are leaving ancient woodlands at threat, campaigners say.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said ancient woodlands continued to benefit from "very clear and strong protections".
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in