Inspectors look into tree-felling report’s findings
Inspectors are still reviewing their findings from a site where alleged illegal tree felling took place.
Field managers from the Forestry Commission visited Stanmore Industrial Estate, on the outskirts of Bridgnorth, where about 14 acres of land was cleared at the end of February.
The findings have been referred to the Forest Services National Office, which is expected to reach its decision by the end of May.
Concerns were first raised by residents of The Hobbins and environmentalists, and investigations have since been ongoing into whether a licence was needed for the work to be carried out.
In addition to a felling licence, further permissions to cut down trees are sometimes required before a landowner can undertake the work.
Residents said they were “shocked” to see the work being done and expressed concern over the damage to wildlife.
But a spokesman for Stanmore Industrial Estate said they were not aware any laws had been broken and that the land was being returned for agricultural use.
They added that a buffer of trees would be replanted between the industrial estate and the residential area in the autumn.
Before anyone can cut down trees, they may need to get a felling licence from the Forestry Commission, depending on whether an exemption to the need for a licence applies.
Felling trees without the authority of a felling licence carries a penalty upon conviction in a magistrates court of £2,500.
