Residents ‘up in arms’ over future of woodland
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save a patch of South Wales woodland after plans were submitted to build three homes on it.
The outline planning application involves building three detached homes and garages on Briary Wood, Briary Way, Brackla.
The site forms part of the locallydesignated “Tremains” Site of Importance for Nature Conservation and is also registered as Ancient Semi Natural Woodland with the trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPO).
Keith Hughes who has lived in the local area for 30 years and started the Save Briary Wood petition on inyourarea.co.uk said: “Local residents at Briarfields and beyond are up in arms about this.
“The ancient woodland and possibly all its habitat and wildlife will disappear. Despite an original authorisation for just one property at this location, the planning department at Bridgend County Borough Council have given permission for the four detached dwellings.
“We are concerned that once again this will be a case of ‘planning creep’ – there is already evidence to suggest that plans for up to 11 dwellings have, or are, being considered.”
He added: “Briary Wood backs onto the ‘blackpath’ leading to Archbishop McGrath and Tremains Primary School and this will not only have a profound effect on the children who walk this path daily but to my mind sends out the wrong signal from BCBC on the environment and wellbeing policies that they promote throughout the county.
A tree survey submitted by Clay Williams Associates as part of the application recommends the felling of 23 trees with tree management work being undertaken on nine trees.
The report states the trees, which are mainly ash, are “largely poor specimens” and “potentially dangerous” due to their location on a steep embankment and the “total lack of tree management work” by the previous landowner.
Mr Williams suggests that most of the trees on the 0.25-hectare application site do not provide a significant public amenity value – a major criteria when trees are being considered for protection by the imposition of a TPO.
An ecology report states that there are no records of protected or notable species associated with the site although the immediate surrounding area does include a variety of small mammals such as hedgehogs as well as bluebells and foraging bats.
It adds that a management plan for the woodland and nearby stream woodland would be implemented as part of any residential development at the site. The application has been submitted by Vale Planning which is also the agent.
The deadline for members of the public to make representations on the plans has been extended to July 3.
A Bridgend council spokesman said residents have been advised to email or post their objections to the council.