Ancient Woodland Restoration Ordered After Unlawful Development

A Turkish agricultural company, Azara Gid San, has been ordered to reverse significant changes made to an ancient woodland in West Yorkshire. The company purchased the 33-acre Jacobs Farm for £1.05 million two years ago. Subsequently, hundreds of trees were allegedly removed, and several buildings were constructed without the necessary planning permission.

Following a planning inquiry, Inspector Paul Hocking rejected the company's appeal against Bradford Metropolitan District Council's enforcement notice. The inspector upheld the order to remove two newly erected buildings, three concrete pads, septic tanks, and associated excavated areas. The developer must also clear stockpiled earth and aggregate, and remove materials used for an access track.

Two holiday homes were excluded from the enforcement order as they predated the relevant time period. The dispute heavily focused on the loss of trees. While the council initially demanded 300 replacement trees, the inspector ordered 100 native trees to be planted within 20 months.

Azara Gid San claimed it was an "innocent party," arguing that most works were completed before its purchase. However, this argument was rejected. The council stated the unauthorized works harmed the green belt and diminished the landscape's appearance.

With the appeal dismissed, the developer faces a substantial restoration bill and a 12-month deadline to remove much of the unauthorized development from the ecologically important, ancient woodland. The developer must also pay significant costs to Bradford Council.