A LONG-running battle to protect a much-loved Newtownards woodland could be avoided in future under proposed new planning protections, Alliance MLA Nick Mathison has said.
The Strangford MLA was speaking after supporting the Tree Protection Bill during its Second Stage debate at the Assembly. The Bill, introduced by Alliance colleague Peter McReynolds, has now progressed to Committee Stage.
The proposed legislation would strengthen protections for ancient and long-established woodland, including a requirement for planning permission to be refused for development within 15 metres of such woodland unless wholly exceptional circumstances could be demonstrated.
It would also remove permitted development rights within the proposed buffer zone.
Mr Mathison said ancient and long-established woodlands are important but too often local communities have had to fight lengthy and complex planning battles to protect them.
“That is something I experienced first-hand at Tullynagardy Wood in Newtownards,” he said. “From
2019 I worked alongside local residents to oppose proposals for housing which would have gone right up against this much-valued woodland.
“That campaign ultimately succeeded, with the Planning Appeals Commission confirming the site could not be developed, but it took years of effort and significant resources to get there. Had these protections been in place at the time, the process could have been very different.”
Mr Mathison said the proposed 15-metre buffer would be particularly significant.
“We absolutely need new homes and investment, but that should not come at the expense of irreplaceable woodland.
“Once these habitats and ecosystems are damaged or lost, we cannot simply recreate them elsewhere.
“The proposed 15-metre buffer would create a much clearer presumption in favour of protecting ancient and long-established woodland and give communities greater confidence that these important sites will be safeguarded,” he said.
