A campaign group has formed in Pentney, Norfolk to preserve woodland access against encroaching development.
The goal of the “Woodland Watchers” is to guarantee that Pentney Woods can continue to be enjoyed and used by local residents and those travelling from further afield, without obstruction caused by regulation due to private ownership.
The site owner, Colin Pennington, and his firm Forestscape, have now been granted permission to develop the site into ecolodges for tourists. The plan has been reported to include 36 such lodges, a reception area, car park, health centre, and facilities for wild swimming.
At earlier stages West Norfolk Council refused to grant development permissions, but Mr Pennington later won an appeal against this decision, after a High Court judge refused to grant the area the status of “asset of community value”.
Mr Pennington has also previously agreed to pay £10,950 towards efforts to mitigate and offset any negative affects on the environment.
Despite this setback, local community members remain determined that the woodland will still remain something that they can visit and enjoy without obstruction caused by the land being privately owned.
Natalie Chumak, a member of Woodland Watchers, said: “We will continue with our efforts to protect the local woodland and the rights of the local community to enjoy it.
The woods are known as a haven for a variety of birds, otters, bats, reptiles, deer, and water voles.
One villager previously commented “This wood is truly beautiful and has many species of mature trees and fauna, it is magnificent and we do not want to lose it.”
Following a meeting at the local village hall to discuss next steps, the Woodland Watchers have agreed to attempt to demonstrate to the local council that the footpath through the woodland has been used widely for more than 20 years.
The option to purchase the land outright from Mr Pennington was considered, but it was deemed too difficult to convince him to sell.
Ms Chumak has said that she and her group are open to speaking further with Mr Pennington and his representatives, saying “Our invitation to the developer of Pentney Woods to engage with us in a constructive dialogue remains open.”
