GNLP 2045 Regulation 20 Scoping Consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 26570

Received: 28/09/2026

Respondent: Forestry Commission

The recommendations focus on strengthening planning policies to protect and enhance woodland, trees, biodiversity and climate resilience. Key proposals include requiring buffer zones, impact assessments and specialist surveys for developments affecting ancient woodland, ancient and veteran trees, and priority woodland habitats, alongside measures to avoid habitat fragmentation and ensure adequate mitigation. The recommendations also promote integration of Local Nature Recovery Strategies and biodiversity duties into plan-making and planning applications, canopy cover targets, tree planting and green infrastructure requirements, and the use of trees to address issues such as air pollution, flooding, urban heat and health inequalities.

Further recommendations cover woodland management, including long-term maintenance, deer and grey squirrel management, and consideration of wildlife movement corridors. Additional policy areas include controls on forestry buildings, climate-resilient planting, wildfire risk assessment, protection of woodland in relation to solar developments, and encouraging the use of home-grown timber in construction to reduce embodied carbon. Overall, the proposals seek a comprehensive approach to woodland protection, biodiversity recovery, climate adaptation and sustainable land management.

Comment

Representation ID: 26571

Received: 28/09/2026

Respondent: Forestry Commission

The guidance recommends using a range of national inventories and mapping resources to identify ancient woodland, ancient and veteran trees, priority habitat woodland, wood pasture and other important woodland assets when assessing development proposals. Key sources include Natural England’s Ancient Woodland Inventory, Priority Habitat Inventory, wood pasture and parkland inventory, the National Forest Inventory, the Forestry Commission’s Open Data maps, and the Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory.

It emphasises that these inventories are not definitive and may not capture all important woodland features, particularly smaller ancient woodlands under 2 hectares or unrecorded ancient and veteran trees. Therefore, local records and historic maps should also be consulted. The guidance applies to all ancient woodlands and ancient and veteran trees whether formally recorded or not, recognising that inventories are continually updated and new sites may be identified over time.

Comment

Representation ID: 26572

Received: 28/09/2026

Respondent: Forestry Commission

The forestry commission has sent a guidance note for Local Plans. It includes a range of topics and relevant information from the local Forestry Commission Area Team specialist advisors. It outlines how evidence relating to trees and woodlands can inform local plan preparation, site allocations, and strategic growth planning.
It also highlights opportunities to protect existing tree and woodland assets, enhance canopy cover and integrate trees into the design of new development. Together with suggestions for potential policy development that you may wish to consider.
It is intended as a reference guide and not a definitive list and should be adapted for local circumstances.