Boost in bid to save Ancient Woodland…

Box Wood was given further protection last week in the latest boost for a growing army of campaigners

The new Article 4 Direction gives the wood extra protection by East Herts Council – enabling the local planning authority to withdraw permitted development rights on the land. This means that a planning application will now have to be submitted where developers or private owners would not normally require one.

EHC [posted on its website: ‘We are concerned that this sale of Box Wood increases the possibility of harmful development such as fences, new accesses and temporary use of the land within the green belt, as well as the Site of Archaeological Significance, the Wildlife Site and Ancient Monument – which are all designated in Box Wood.

This direction removes permitted development rights and creates the opportunity for us to take enforcement action if any breaches occur.’

Friend of Box Wood, which now has over 2000 members responded positively to the news: ‘We are lucky to have this issued on the wood so quickly and we thank councillor Ken Crofton and Tom Deffley, chair of Walkern Parish Council for taking this initiative and East Herts Council for acting so quickly and decisively. It’s really good to see the councils and community come together like this.’

Residents who wish to make comments should email planning@eastherts.gov.uk