Trees and Forestry

Woodland Planting

Policy NE10

The Council will support proposals which involve woodland planting of native species, or have a high proportion of, or lead to, a final crop of such species, contribute to agricultural or amenity objectives or make use of small areas of waste or underused land and compliment the established pattern of land-use and landscape character.

Afforestation Proposals

Policy NE11

Afforestation proposals will not be supported where they would entail significant adverse impact on or losses to;

1. woodland recorded in the Ancient Woodland Inventory;
2. the landscape character of the North Pennines AONB and Landscapes of County Importance; or
3. sites of nature conservation or historic value.

2.22 Commercial forestry makes a significant contribution to the local economy. This is likely to continue to be the case in the foreseeable future in the light of the Government's planting target of 30,000 ha. per annum of new forestry nationwide and in view of moves to remove land from agricultural production. Initiatives may include the extension of existing forests within the plan area. Structure Plan Policy 16 establishes the principle of accepting afforestation where there is no conflict with agricultural, landscape, wildlife and public access considerations. In Eden District the location of poorer quality land in areas of higher elevation, which are in consequence more prominent and are also of great nature conservation value, makes an evaluation of the landscape and nature conservation impact of substantial plantings of particular importance. Where such impacts are limited in nature, most probably in cases where the planting proposal has been carefully designed in relation to the landform and where mixed species are used, afforestation proposals are likely to prove acceptable both in the Eden Valley and the lower, more broken slopes of the Pennines. However, planting in the higher open uplands of the North Pennines AONB and other upland areas supporting heather or which adversely affect areas of ancient woodland are unlikely to be acceptable. In evaluating proposals consideration will also be given to impacts on other interests of recognised importance such as the nature conservation value of the land concerned and the desirability of protecting historic features in the landscape such as archaeological remains, ancient field patterns and boundaries.

2.23 Proposals for small scale planting, especially of native broadleaved and conifer species which will contribute to maintaining and diversifying habitat and will fit into the established pattern of land use and landscape character will be supported. In addition, the Council intend to prepare an indicative woodland strategy with the primary objective of facilitating environmental enhancement and recreation opportunities.

Ancient Woodlands

Policy NE12

Development proposals which are detrimental to the character or nature conservation value of woodland recorded in the Ancient Woodland Inventory will only be permitted if a clear need can be substantiated for the development in the specific location concerned.

2.24 There are within the Local Plan area limited remains of ancient semi-natural woodlands which have been in existence since the middle ages. These represent an extremely valuable resource of importance to nature conservation. The Council wishes to ensure that these woodlands are retained and sympathetically managed.

Protection of Trees

Policy NE13

In considering development proposals particular regard will be given to the retention of trees of amenity value, including those the subject of Tree Preservation Orders, and to their protection during development. Where appropriate, Tree Preservation Orders will be used to afford the necessary level of control.

2.25 In the past, the development of sites has resulted in the loss of established trees which have made an important contribution to the character and amenity of the vicinity. The Council wishes to ensure that in future such losses are minimised.