Save Weston Big Wood

Community campaign continues fight to protect ancient woodland from 500-home plan

More than 10,800 people have signed a petition opposing proposed housing developments on green belt land beside Weston Big Wood.

The community campaign to protect Weston Big Wood is continuing, as plans for up to 500 homes on fields bordering the ancient woodland move towards public examination.

Weston Big Wood, owned and managed by Avon Wildlife Trust, is ancient woodland and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. North Somerset Council’s draft Local Plan proposes removing fields at Tower Farm and Black Rock from the green belt to allow up to 400 homes and around 100 homes respectively.

More than 10,500 people have signed the Save Weston Big Wood petition online, with nearly 400 more signing on paper. The petition was handed in at 10 Downing Street on 14^th October.

Government-appointed planning inspectors will examine the Local Plan at public hearings at Weston-super-Mare Town Hall, with the green belt issues scheduled for Wednesday 11^th November, and Tower Farm and Black Rock due to be discussed on Tuesday 8^th December. Anyone can attend and observe, although speaking is restricted to those who made formal comments during the previous consultation.

Tom Henley, from the Save Weston Big Wood campaign, said: “We’re not against new homes. People need somewhere to live, but where matters and the edge of an ancient wood should come last.”

The campaign is inviting supporters to a ‘Gathering for Weston Big Wood’ on Saturday, 31st October, from 10am to noon, on the lower field at Merlin Park. Attendees are asked to wear white to form a giant heart for the wood, with tea, cake, music and a group photograph planned.

Find out more on the Save Weston Big Wood Facebook page, or email info@swbwportishead.co.uk