Landmark ruling saves ancient woodland from developers

Following a landmark case, brought to the High Court by Wealden District Council, plans to build on the ancient woodland at Wellshurst Golf and Country Club in Hellingly have been temporarily rejected.

In 2022, Downsview Leisure Ltd submitted plans for a development involving camping facilities such as pods, caravans and a site office in ancient woodland at Wellshurst Gold and Country Club.

The plans were rejected by Wealden District Council on account of environmental damage. However this led the applicants to lodge an appeal leading to the appointment of a planning inspector who granted permission for the development to go ahead.

But, in early April, the council took the matter to the High Court who ruled in the council's favour meaning the case will be remitted for a new appeal assessment and redetermination- saving the ancient forest in the short term. 

Councillor Ian Tysh, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party) and lead councillor for Planning and Environment, said, “This outcome is a triumph for environmental protection. Ensuring that ancient woodland and other valued landscapes continue to thrive is a responsibility we owe to present and future generations.”