Five concerns have been raised to the Forestry England plans for Hamsterley Forest by the watchdog, which has also detailed “how the applicant may overcome them”.
This comes just under two months after the £32.6m plans were first submitted to Durham County Council following years of planning and consultations within the local community.
Hamsterley Forest. (Image: TRIPADVISOR) Reactions to the plans have so far been mixed – locals claim it would “destroy” the forest but tourist board Visit County Durham hailed the development as a possible “game changer”.
Now, the Environment Agency argues that some plans are incompatible with a flood zone, have an inadequate flood risk assessment, a drainage system poses an “unacceptable risk of pollution”, there are risks to water quality, and there is “inadequate evidence” that protected and priority species have been considered.
In the 14 page document, they also outline specific ways in which the plan can be amended to overcome the objections – which include taking out new assessments regarding wildlife, and changing the location of a proposed bunk house and campsite.
Other issues raised by the Environment Agency argue that proposals “could have a detrimental effect on species present” and they do not take “impacts of climate change into account”.
This objection has been welcomed by the Hamsterley Forest Action Group – a community collective that strongly opposes the plans.
More than 300 objections, many from members of the group, were added to the council’s planning portal during the consultation period due to a combined effort for mass objections.
Reacting to the Environment Agency’s objection, a spokesperson for the action group told The Northern Echo: “We support and applaud the objection submitted by the Environment Agency.
“We are committed to protecting the flora and fauna of Hamsterley Forest, including the water courses running through the forest that supports a sustainable riparian ecosystem.”
Hamsterley Forest. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Also reacting to the objection, Forestry England has argued the level of detail asked at this stage is “unusual” and confirmed it has engaged with the watchdog previously.
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A spokesperson said: “We have engaged with the Environment Agency well in advance of making the planning submission, and through extensive aquatic surveys have a full understanding of the high quality watercourses.
“The level of detail requested at this stage of the planning process is unusual, although much of the information is already addressed in the submitted material.
“We will respond to the other points raised as soon as possible. Regarding permits for water discharge, these would not normally be obtained until planning permission is granted.”