Ecological concerns arise over proposed development near Bideford woodland habitat

Worried Bideford residents have voiced their concerns about a developer’s plans to build a footpath and cycle path through woodland.

Nestled between the Appledore Grove and Abbotsham Park housing developments, the wooded area is a haven for a variety of wildlife, including bats, birds and deer.

However, plans put forward by new homes builder Persimmon have sparked considerable debate.

Persimmon wants to build a two-metre-wide footpath and a four-metre-wide cycle path and would be felling trees as part of this work.

Caroline Cleave, a resident who lives near the site, has emerged as a leading voice against Persimmon's plans.

She said: “Now, five years on, Persimmon are building on the site next door. They have applied to divert a footpath away from their development site and through this boundary to our estate, and to site a four-metre-wide cycle path on this area, meaning the loss of the entire woodland boundary on that side of the estate. Including some trees which are protected by tree preservation orders.”

Ms Cleave's concerns extend beyond the potential loss of trees and wildlife habitat.

She has questioned Persimmon's motives.

She said: “Why can't you incorporate the cycle way within the boundary of your development site, meaning no trees need to be cut down and no loss of wildlife habitat?”

And she has accused Persimmon of a lack of due diligence in their planning process.

“This has been done under the guise of a mere footpath diversion,” she said, “meaning Persimmon has not carried out any ecological surveys to support this application and they have not mentioned any loss of trees.”

Residents have rallied behind Ms Cleave on social media platforms.

They have demanded transparency and accountability from the developer in their efforts to balance development interests with ecological preservation.

In response to mounting pressure, Persimmon has announced a temporary halt to their plans, expressing a willingness to collaborate with people to explore alternative strategies.

Ms Cleave has also contacted the Devon Wildlife Trust, who said: “We object to the planning application because we consider that the proposals do not provide sufficient evidence to satisfy the requirements relating to biodiversity in paragraphs 174d, 180a and 180d of the National Planning Policy Framework.”

The framework says that planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by:

• 180a) protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, sites of biodiversity or geological value and soils (in a manner commensurate with their statutory status or identified quality in the development plan)
  180d) minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity, including by
  establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and
  future pressures.

A spokesperson for Persimmon Cornwall and West Devon said: “We were pleased to receive planning approval for our new development in Bideford in February, which will help deliver much-needed new homes for local families desperate to get on the housing ladder.

“Our plans will help meet the area’s housing need, including alleviating pressure on Torridge District Council’s 2,000-strong housing waiting list. As part of our significant community contribution, one in five properties will be transferred to a local housing association partner for social and affordable provision for local people.

“However, we acknowledge the concerns raised during our ongoing consultation regarding the footpath diversion at the site. We are actively engaging with the local authority and are open to explore potential alternative routes that will not compromise the development and its biodiversity net gain provision.

“We apologise for the concern this has raised and we are committed to working with Torridge District Council and the local community to find a mutually beneficial solution."

In response to questions raised by Ms Cleave, Persimmon said:

• The footpath diversion incorporates a two-metre wide footpath for the majority of its length, with only the section adjacent to Clovelly Road being a four-metre-wide cycle path. This cycle path is required by Devon County Council as part of the planning permission.
• Tree removal for the cycle path has been assessed and approved by Torridge District Council.
  The proposed footpath diversion fronting the existing Persimmon Homes site is situated on the edge of the woodland area, and the small number of trees that will need to be felled to comply with planning conditions do not have tree preservation orders.
• They are actively exploring the option of incorporating the cycle path within the boundary of the development in consultation with Torridge District Council.
• They have submitted a new public right of way diversion application which would be within their current development site, minimising habitat loss.
• It would be incorrect to state that applications for footpath diversion have been made without ecological surveys. These have been carried out as required.