Home / Environment / Ancient Woodland Destroyed for Luxury Lodges
Ancient Woodland Destroyed for Luxury Lodges
8 Jun
Summary
- 300 trees felled in protected ancient woodland.
- Four holiday lodges built without planning permission.
- Council demands replanting and site restoration.
In Silsden, Keighley, West Yorkshire, a significant controversy has arisen following the felling of 300 trees in Jacobs Farm, a protected ancient woodland. An agricultural firm purchased the 33-acre plot two years ago and has since been accused of constructing four holiday lodges and other structures, including concrete properties and septic tanks, without obtaining planning consent.
Bradford council has issued an enforcement notice requiring the replacement of the felled trees and the restoration of the site to its previous condition. The firm, Azara Gid San, has appealed the notice, asserting it was an "innocent party" and that the work predated its purchase of the land. Wildlife groups have expressed strong criticism, highlighting the irreplaceable nature of ancient woodlands for vulnerable wildlife populations.
An appeal hearing concerning the unauthorized development is scheduled for July 21st. The council maintains that the development, even if claimed to boost tourism, caused demonstrable harm and did not warrant special circumstances to override environmental concerns, disputing the firm's claims of immunity from enforcement.
