Sandgate Conservation Society have submitted a comment in relation to this planning application. The text of the comment is as follows:
Sandgate Conservation Society would like to raise some concerns regarding planning application DC/17/2117 – Proposed creation of new vehicular access into woodland from Rock Road, laying of hard-standing to form stacking area, loading bay and access track associated with forestry management activities. Longbury Hill Wood Rock Road Storrington West Sussex
1. Longbury Wood as a natural habitat
The Society’s interest in this area arises from its location between Sandgate Park and Warren Hill. Not only does it form part of the wildlife corridor between these two sites but its value as a wildlife habitat is further enhanced by the low level of human activity in that area. The Heath Common Village Design Statement states that woodland areas in the locality are home to foxes, deer, badgers, dormice, wood mice and Pipistrelle and Natterer’s bats. It seems probable that some of these species will be found at Longbury Wood. It is with that in mind the Society supports Washington Parish Council’s request for an investigation of the flora and fauna of the whole site, and the benefits of leaving it undisturbed.
No reference can be found in the application in relation to the timing of the tree felling. The Forestry Commission identifies the Scots Pine as an excellent tree for wildlife and there is a possibility that birds and small mammals would be nesting in tree hollows during the spring and summer months so tree felling during this period should be avoided.
2. Vegetation clearing approvals and conditions
It is noted that tree felling is under Forestry Commission licence. As no details of that felling licence have been provided, however, it cannot be seen whether that licence was granted under the normal conditions and whether the cutting of the birch, chestnut and oak / mixed broadleaf is under the same felling licence or is an exempted activity, as is clearing of the rhododendron.
Also, does the felling licence include the clearing required to allow for the 7.5m x 40m stacking area plus 5m x 15m turning spur? If so presumably, unless this is all rhododendron or otherwise exempt, then the normal felling licence conditions are varied for this area as no restocking and maintenance would be required. If the clearing of this area is not covered by the felling licence, nor is it an exempt activity, is it the case that separate Forestry Commission approval is required to clear the loading bay / turning spur area or that, contrary to the statement in the letter from English Woodlands Forestry Ltd, Horsham District Council permission IS being sought for felling and clearing of that area as part of this application?
There is also no information on what tree restocking and maintenance will be carried out apart from those activities being subject to the requirement of the felling licence.
Some clarity regarding the nature of the approvals obtained and/or sought for vegetation clearance, and the conditions related to those approvals would be welcomed by the Society.
3. Use of herbicide
The supporting statement by English Woodlands Forestry Limited suggests that one of the methods to be used to remove the rhododendron will be the use of herbicide. The forestry works plan shows that rhododendron clearing will be carried out across the whole site i.e. where the pine will be clear felled; where the trees will be coppiced; and where the mixed woodland will be retained. It is not stated how the herbicide is to be applied. If it is applied as a spray to the foliage the Society would be concerned about chemical drift impacting trees intended for retention leading to weakening, damage or loss of those trees.
4. Protection of archaeological site
The Society also agrees with Washington Parish Council that an archaeological inspection is required of the Anglo-Saxon boundary ditch as this ditch is the subject of an academic paper in the SUSSEX ARCHAEOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS 143 (2005) by Professor Robin Milner-Gulland.
Conclusion
Sandgate Conservation Society believes that
– a protected species survey of the site is required;
– an archaeological survey of the Anglo-Saxon boundary ditch is required;
– by providing more detailed plans regarding the proposed felling, clearing and future management of the area the applicant could provide significant assurance to the Society’s membership and local residents that the overall benefits of the proposed forestry activities would outweigh the impact of the the creation of vehicular access to the site and loading bay / hard-standing on the site and of the forestry activities themselves.