Future of woodland left hanging in balance as decision delayed again

A DECISION which could lead to the destruction of acres of ancient woodland in South Yorkshire has been hit by further delay.

Campaigners fighting Extra Motorway Services’ plans to build a new service station on the site of Smithy Wood at junction 35 of the M1 have been told that they will now have to wait until January 2016 to hear the verdict. It had previously been planned for next month.

The Woodland Trust and the local Chapeltown Residents’ Action Group are also awaiting a decision from Sheffield Council’s licensing committee on an application to award the woodland with village green status, which has the potential to protect the site. They have reacted with scepticism to the developers’ apparent attempt to win over members of the local community with an engagement session, which takes place today.

Some members of the public such as friends’ groups have been invited by Extra MSA to a ‘community workshop’ to talk about the company’s proposals.

The invitation states “We are sensitive to local views and have spent considerable time developing a package of proposals that will provide economic and environmental benefits that we hope you will find of interest.”

Oliver Newham, of the Woodland Trust, told The Yorkshire Post: “This delay is frustrating because the decision is clear cut – while ancient woodland stands to be destroyed, this proposal is unacceptable.

“No amount of new planting will ever recreate a wood of the same value, or make up for the loss to the community of this hugely valued wood.”