Villagers fear losing access to woodland

Colin Pennington, who owns the land at Pentney Woods, was granted permission to build a series of eco-lodges on the site

Villagers fear they may lose access to a woodland after permission has been granted to build a series of eco-lodges on the site.

A group of residents in Pentney, near King's Lynn in Norfolk, have formed the Woodland Watchers to ensure they can continue to use Pentney Woods, which they say is home to rare wildlife.

Despite local opposition, site owner Colin Pennington - through his firm Forestscape - was granted planning permission to build the lodges following an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

Natalie Chumak, a member of Woodland Watchers, said: "We will continue with our efforts to protect the local woodland and the rights of the local community to enjoy it."

Previously, the developer successfully appealed to the Planning Inspectorate after councillors on the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk's planning committee rejected the application last year, despite officers recommending it for approval.

The inspector concluded that the committee had failed to provide adequate justification for why the change of use of the woodland could not go ahead and Mr Pennington was granted permission.

Members of the Woodland Watchers group hope to find alternative options so they do not lose access to the woodland

Villagers remain determined to block the development.

Although the woodland is privately owned, the Woodland Watchers group plans to launch a bid to have a public footpath through the woodland, arguing the route has been used by locals for decades.

Community members gathered at Pentney Village Hall to discuss further options, including launching a fundraising campaign to buy the woodland from Mr Pennington.

They acknowledge that persuading him to sell may be difficult.

Since the meeting, support for the group has been "growing", said Ms Chumak.

She explained: "Our invitation to the developer of Pentney Woods to engage with us in a constructive dialogue remains open."