'War not over' to protect land next to ancient wood

Heather Bryant was "delighted" plans to build 150 homes next to Chaddesden Wood were rejected by Derby City Council

A campaign group has promised to continue its efforts to protect a Derbyshire woodland after a developer was refused permission to build 150 homes on land nearby.

Derby City councillors voted unanimously to reject a planning application to build the homes on farmland off Lime Lane, Oakwood, next to Chaddesden Wood.

Heather Bryant, the chairperson of Friends of Chaddesden Wood group, said they are concerned developer JGP Properties Ltd could appeal against the council's decision to the Planning Inspectorate, which could grant planning permission for the homes.

She said: "We are happy to have won this battle but we're not sure that the war is over."

Around 150 people were in attendance at the planning meeting on 11 July

She added: "It's felt like a dark cloud hanging over us for the past two and a half years and now we face the prospect of fighting again if they choose to appeal."

Planning documents submitted by JGP Properties said the development would include open spaces and green corridors to protect the woodland, which dates back to the middle ages and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

But the council voted to refuse the application after it received 1,500 objections and 150 people opposed to the development attended the planning committee hearing on 11 July.

The housing was to be built just north of the ancient woodland

Ms Bryant said the group is now hoping to speak to the landowner and have a conversation about possibly purchasing the site from them.

"Our hope is to extend the woodland by planting thousands of trees, new hedgerows, dig in ponds and putting in paths for public access," she said.

"This would be a huge win for biodiversity and it would protect the ancient wood into the future by securing its connection to the countryside.

"We will be having further discussions with our MP, Jonathan Davis, Derby City Council, the Woodland Trust and many other groups to defend the unanimous stance the planning officers have taken against building here."

JGP Properties Ltd has been contacted for comment.