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The destruction of Llanbradach’s Bluebell Woods has been raised in the Senedd after the landowners pulled out of plans to create a five-pitch caravan site on the land.
The field, which has been enjoyed by residents for generations, was dug up by contractors at the end of July – with Caerphilly County Borough Council putting a stop to works on August 1.
Both Caerphilly’s Labour Senedd Member Hefin David and Plaid Cymru’s South East Wales MS Delyth Jewell asked questions on the issue to Welsh Government ministers on Wednesday, September 21.
Dr David asked what policies and legislation were in place to protect ancient woodland, as well as asking what options were available to the community to stop similar destruction from happening again.
Meanwhile, Ms Jewell asked about a community empowerment bill, which would enable communities to take ownership of local assets such as Bluebell Woods.
Dr David’s questions were answered by the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters, while Ms Jewell’s question was answered by the the Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, in the absence of Climate Change Minister Julie James.
“It could have been prevented”
Posing her question in the Senedd, Ms Jewell spoke about the destruction caused to Bluebell Woods and said: “While the destruction contravened existing regulations, it could have been prevented had the site been in public ownership.
“The Institute of Welsh Affairs recently has published a report advocating passing a community empowerment Bill, which would enable communities to take ownership of local assets that are deemed significant.
“The report states that Wales has the fewest statutory rights in Britain in relation to land. Obviously, community voices could be and, I would argue, should be a lot stronger as well.”
She continued: “Could you tell me what the Welsh Government’s position is in terms of introducing legislation to empower communities so that places like Llanbradach and all over Wales can ensure that these treasured community assets are protected, please?”
In response, Ms Griffiths suggested Ms Jewell contacted the Climate Change minister regarding the issue but said she raised a “really important” point.
Ms Griffiths said: “If you look at the local development plan process, for instance, it’s very transparent, and it needs to have that community involvement.
“I would think that the minister would be very keen to increase community involvement.”
She added: “The last thing we would want to see is the destruction of an area such as the one you describe.”
Residents “fearful” work could start back again
After Dr David asked what policies and legislation were in place in Wales to protect ancient woodlands, deputy minister Mr Waters replied: “Our planning policies set out a strong framework for the protection of trees, including ancient woodlands.
“We are amending the Forestry Act 1967 to provide better protection for the environment and a more effective deterrent for illegal felling. Our sustainable farm scheme will provide support to protect and manage ancient woodlands.”
Asking a second question specifically about Bluebell Woods, Dr David said: “This area has been very important to the local community for generations and holds great sentimental value to many people.
“The excavation work started without planning permission, and following community campaigning has been stopped on the orders of Caerphilly County Borough Council. However, residents are fearful that without sufficient protections in place the work could start again at any time, especially as the land is privately owned.”
“Can the Minister therefore advise on what options are available to the local community to try and ensure that these woods are protected for future generations?”
Responding, Mr Waters said he was aware of the concern across the community and said it was “distressing to see some of the pictures” of the destruction.
He continued: “If there’s any positive to come out of it, it is the fact that there has been such a strong community reaction, who understand the value that biodiversity has to their area. I think we’ve got a long way to go to make sure that developers also understand the value.”
Mr Waters praised Caerphilly County Borough Council’s leadership, as well as the community for “taking strong action when they became aware this destruction had taken place”.
He added: “The community can request that tree preservation orders be made on trees that they consider to be of value, but I think this is an example of where it’s important that we all come together to make sure that, if there are transgressions, they’re dealt with severely and that we raise the level of appreciation for ancient woodlands so that action isn’t taken in the first place.”
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