NWT Wayland Wood, photo by Richard Osbourne

Proposed housing threatens woodland SSSI


Wednesday 22 April, 2015


Rare wild flowers in an ancient woodland are under threat from the level of housing proposed south of Watton. Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT) is extremely concerned about the impacts that proposed developments will have on its Site of Special Scientific Interest, (SSSI) Wayland Wood.

NWT has objected to the proposal for 180 houses on the land East of Thetford Road. The proposal has not done enough to properly consider recreational impacts on the Wood, which is extremely susceptible to damage. NWT Wayland Wood is an ancient woodland of historic importance, and renowned for wild flowers, with more than 125 species of flowering plants recorded, including large areas of bluebells, yellow archangel, water avens, wood anemones and early purple orchid.

The wood is less than half a mile from Watton and connected via footpaths. NWT welcomes visitors and the site is enjoyed by many people. But the antisocial behaviour of some visitors to the wood - which includes flytipping, litter, careless trampling and the starting of fires  - can and has led to long term damage to sensitive woodland plants such as bluebells. Disturbance by dogs not under control (the nature reserve has a ‘no dogs’ policy which is often flouted) affects the breeding success of woodland birds.

Head of Nature Reserves at Norfolk Wildlife Trust, John Milton said: “NWT Wayland Wood is already subject to damage and disturbance, which will only be made worse by further development so close to the wood. We have objected to this proposal and we are also concerned about any future housing proposals for locations between the wood and the town, which is currently being considered in the Breckland Local Plan. It is important that any plans for further housing should be in appropriate places and not threaten sites of wildlife interest.”

The value and sensitivity of ancient woods is recognised nationally and the government’s National Planning Policy Framework states that planning permission should be refused for development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland, unless the need for and benefits of the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss. NWT does not believe this is the case for development close to Wayland Wood.

Claire Scutt is a local resident who shares NWT’s concerns about the proposed development. She said: “Wayland Wood is a wonderful amenity for residents of Watton and widely used by all the community. The prospect of 180 houses on the fields adjacent to the wood will have a huge impact on wildlife. The residents want to protect this ancient woodland for future generations.”

Local residents concerned about the wood can comment on the proposal until Friday 24 April. The planning details can be found at http://www.breckland.gov.uk/content/planning-application-search and entering 2014/1253 in the search box.
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