Decision details

The Council has duties, commitments and targets regarding tree planting and nature recovery under the following:

·         Environment Act 2021,

·         The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act,

·         Kirklees Cleaner Greener Corporate Goals

·         Kirklees Climate emergency Action Plan

·         Kirklees’ commitment to the White Rose Forest

·         The recently adopted Kirklees Environment Strategy

Woodland creation schemes are an important vehicle to move towards meeting these targets, with the proposal on land to the rear of Castle Hill being a key area for delivery of this.  

A proposal to deliver woodland creation on council owned farmland located to the rear of Castle Hill has been developed to help meet planting targets.

The initial project proposed to plant 28 Ha of new native woodland, by way of extensions to the existing Mellor and Molly Carr woods, on Council owned land grazing land.

Engagement for the proposal commenced on 10^th July 2024 and closed on 16^th August 2024. Seeking comments from Ward Cllrs and members of the public.

The engagement results found that out of the 120 responders:

·         63% said yes to the project

·         21% said no to the project

·         17% said may be with some changes

Taking into consideration the concerns raised alongside other factors identified during the project development process. On balance the proposal was reviewed and amendments made to the original scheme.  By removing planting proposals from two areas, as identified on the revised planting plan, a copy is included as a supporting paper.

At the Place Senior Leadership Team meeting held on 2^nd October 2024, the decision was made to progress with this amended woodland planting scheme.

To progress with the amended woodland planting scheme on council land located to the rear of Castle Hill. Revised to remove tree planting from area 1 and area 2, as shown on the attached revised planting plan.