11 replies to this topic

[mil6507]

I own 2 acres of land which was sold as arable, agricultural land. Having no farming background, I bought it to create a woodland of about 400 native trees. However, I am concerned with the point below in the council's last committee meeting.
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The site is in a highly visible rural location with long views across it from the adjacent road. In this location, outside any development boundaries, the adopted District Replacement Local Plan states that restraint will be used to ensure the character, openness and value of the countryside is not lost through inappropriate development. In addition the site is shown within the Plan as being within a Special Landscape Area within which there is a general presumption against development which does not conserve or restore the landscape character of the area.
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What do people on the forum think in terms of my idea of creating a woodland? I know this is a daft question but do I need planning permission to plant trees on agricultural land? The trees will grow several metres in a decade causing the 'openness' of the land to be violated. I don't want to be asked to chop the trees off thereby rendering my hard work and investment wasted.

Will appreciate any advice/replies.

[surreydodger]

It is dumb statements like that by councillors/planners that make me despair. They treat it as it they own it and only wish for their own values to be associated with what it 'looks' like. For heavens sake, it's a workplace which wouldn't look atall open if it were not for the farming industry!

Sorry to rant but planners,,, if one of my kids ever chooses to be one I'll disown them

As trees can be considered a crop I don't believe there is anything to stop you. You should stick to planting native trees unless you are considering a forestry type program.

[mil6507]

Thanks. It would be interesting what a few more people think.

[shepie]

Hi have you tried contacting the forrestry commission ? they should be able to lead you in the right direction as to the legal requirements, if there are any which i doubt.

[che]

Cant help but agree with Surreydodger on this one. We are told that originally most of our contry was forest and I am sure if you left it umanaged it would revert to this over time. However I understand your concerns regarding there comments. Have you thought of contacting the Forestry Commision or The Small Woods Association. Sure they will confirm it it is more spurious bullshit to prevent any development they dont like.
Dave C

[Thegreatescaper]

Hi Mil6507,

When I get my land I am planting a woodland area. They cannot stop you, even with your article 4 issues. Trees/wood are an agricultural crop. I will try and find the relevent acts for you. Unfortunally much of my research on woodland is in on my old unworking laptop and I need to recover it. Don't forget that you can easily get grants to buy the trees you require if you follow a few rules.

I didn't notice this post was by you. Much of my previous e-mail might no be relevent if this is your plans. Feel free to let me know what your exact plans are and I believe we will be able to come up with a workable plan for you if you so wish. Should you rather keep this info to yourself I understand and will still assist you in any way I can.

Best of luck
thegreatescaper

[mil6507]

I am getting a grant from a registered charity. Does anyone know what this means?

"The trust will retain all and any rights to carbon and the sale of carbon related products relating to the planting of trees under this agreement."

I have heard this is a big deal with the government with each tree worth up to a 1000 pounds in 10 years time. I guess the charity get the money and I get the shade, birds and other wildlife.

[PumpkinEater]

Hi - we recommend that anyone considering planting a wood should first look at this website and follow the suggestions therein.....
http://www.wildlife-...permissions.htm

[mil6507]

Hi

thanks for the link. However, it seems to be Cornwall heavy. Also, some links for the forestry department are dead links. I found this website quite useful. http://www.woodlandt...es/default.aspx

[justdoit]

hi, i am doing the same as you. i have 4.5 acres and had one miserable farmer say to me that i need planning permission to plant trees. told hime to go away and havent heard anymore in neary 5 years and 0ver 1500 trees later . not grown to full height yet though.

it is a crop though, so cant imagine them complaining. i have enough trouble trying to get trees removed as i am an arborist. planning is usually there to protect trees.
But they cant protect them if its your crop.

also i couldnt seem to get a grant unless i opened the land up to the public or allowed the foresty commisson to run my woodland and take the timber. there must be a way because farmers have told me that they have even been paid to plant trees and hedge rows on there land....... i just dont know the loop holes.

good luck with your woodland

[mil6507]

If you want complete privacy and control over your land and trees, etc. you will, unfortunately, put your hands in your own pocket. I tried a charity but they wanted me to sign a contract, they would own the carbon footprint forever (1000 pounds/tree over the life of the tree), and I wasn't too keen on signing along the dotted line. So for 2.5 times the cost I am having a private company plant the trees for me. I am not answerable to anyone if when reaching for the apple, I break the whole branch. if you see what I mean.

[happymanoftheworld]

Hi justdoit and Mil ----- thought you might be interested in these two articles from Smallholder magazine. Have a GREAT weekend - I always do! - DESPITE Planners!!!!! (and rain, and mud, and angry bulls, scavenging chickens, pesky ponies, feisty pet ferrets, demanding dogs...... and my lovely [honest]wife.)

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