The subject of Forest Waste and its sale and replacement has been much in the news lately.
The recent planning application to sell off plots of waste for building has promoted discussion once again.
Dean Forest Voice remain confused as to the position taken by Forest Enterprise (FE) on this issue.
In a letter that accompanied FE's application from their agents (5.8.10) it states: "The Forestry Commission 'may' choose to exchange the land for other land more suitable for forestry purposes if they wish to. The use of 'may' rather than 'must' is important. It is clear to the Commission that an exchange is not a requirement of any disposal."
However, in a press report (16.09.10) The Deputy Surveyor states that: "...any developer buying the plots would have had to contribute land as well as cash... Land swaps have always gone on and we are committed to the principle of no net loss to the area that is the statutory Forest."
Maybe someone from FE can clarify their interpretation of the law.
Or is it a flexible interpretation to suit all circumstances? – Keith Morgan (Dean Forest Voice), Broadwell.