The Labour government's pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2029 and its introduction of "grey belt" land designations have heightened scrutiny around developments bordering ancient woodlands. A BBC investigation revealed dozens of planned sites situated right next to these sensitive habitats, which are defined as areas existing continuously since at least 1600. Conservation organizations argue that developers are exploiting the "wholly exceptional circumstances" rule to build right up to forest boundaries. Meanwhile, ministers maintain that planning protections remain robust, and developers insist their ecological impact assessments show no woodland loss.
Key points
The government's pledge to construct 1.5 million homes by 2029 is intensifying land-use p…: The government's pledge to construct 1.5 million homes by 2029 is intensifying land-use pressures near protected habitats.
Conservationists argue the "wholly exceptional circumstances" planning clause serves as a…: Conservationists argue the "wholly exceptional circumstances" planning clause serves as an exploitable loophole for adjacent development.
Developers and housing officials maintain that robust environmental regulations and impac…: Developers and housing officials maintain that robust environmental regulations and impact assessments prevent damage to ancient trees.
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Ancient woodland campaigners fear a drive to build more houses could put some of England's oldest habitats under increasing pressure, despite government protections designed to prevent their loss.
The protected areas can only be built on or near in "wholly exceptional circumstances", according to planning policy.
But the Labour government's pledge to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of 2029 and the recent creation of the "grey belt" - areas of poorer quality open spaces that can be built on - are leaving ancient woodlands at threat, campaigners say.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said ancient woodlands continued to benefit from "very clear and strong protections".
But the BBC has found dozens of individual sites which feature planned developments immediately next to the woods.
Among them are approved plans for 450 homes within yards of Hook Wood in Gillingham, Kent, which residents fear will have a devastating impact on local wildlife.
"We are already seeing cases where the existing protections are struggling," said Ancient Woodland UK chairwoman Lucy Graebe-Watson.
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