Political opinion with Cllr James Tidy: Defending our ancient woodland

The Woodland Trust defines Ancient Woodland as land that has had continuous tree cover since at least 1600. That is why the charity spoke against the planning application for a school submitted by Jamiat-Ul-Muslemeen Quwat-Ul-Islam Masjed.

The professional advice could not have been clearer. Planning officers recommended refusal, stating that development near Ancient Woodland should include a minimum 15metre buffer to protect trees and their root systems. We were also advised that granting permission could leave Crawley Borough Council vulnerable to a costly legal challenge, with local taxpayers ultimately footing the bill.

The Woodland Trust, planning officers and legal advisers all raised serious concerns, yet the application still received support from both Conservative and Labour councillors when it first came before the Planning Committee.

When the application returned for a second time, councillors again voted in favour. However, the Monitoring Officer intervened, warning: "I have significant concerns that there is a risk that the decision that has just been taken will be held to be unlawful and therefore there are various steps that I have to take."

As a result, the application will have to come back before councillors once again. Given the clear advice that has been provided, members must now carefully consider whether they are prepared to expose the Council to such significant legal and financial risk.