Southwater tree felling ‘not illegal’ says council

Many villagers are concerned that the destruction of woodland at The Copse in Old Worthing Road had destroyed a number of wildlife habitats.

They say the area had been home to deer, badgers, rabbits, squirrels and bats.

But a spokewoman for Horsham Ddistrict Council said today: “It is not considered that any offence has taken place in regard to the Wildlife Acts,”

She said the site had been inspected by the council’s arboricultural officer.

“None of the trees on the site were protected by Tree Preservation Orders and they are not located in a conservation area.

“It is therefore not an offence under planning laws for the trees, which are on privately owned land, to be felled by their owner(s).

“However, the matter is also being examined by the Forestry Commission.

“It should be noted that the majority of the trees on the site were self-seeded scrubby specimens, mainly of ash, the majority of which were infected by Chalara ash die back.”