Jesmond Wood Planning Application

The Jesmond Wood planning application was unanimously rejected by the BCP planning committee on Thursday December 15.

Every member of the committee recognised just how damaging and destructive to the trees and wildlife, the precious woodland itself and the wider Highcliffe green corridor, the application for 16 homes would have been.

And the 47-page report by the planning officer recommending refusal was detailed, authoritative and unequivocal. I have thanked her for her work.

This was a victory for our community, for the parish and for everyone who campaigned and objected.

I would like thank everyone who did so and parish councillor Cllr Adam Sofianos and Cllr Lesley Dedman for joining me in addressing the committee members on the day.

We made a powerful case.

We may yet have to deal with an appeal from the developer and we will be prepared for that.

But we must find a way to secure this woodland for our community once and for all.

The decision sends a message loud and clear across the conurbation about the value of our irreplaceable trees, woodland and local green spaces.

This a fantastic result not just for Highcliffe but for everyone who cares about the natural environment and its importance to all of us.

Andy Martin
Vice chair, Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council
BCP Councillor for Highcliffe and Walkford