Regulation 18 draft Local Plan

Support

Representation ID: 4623

Received: 04/12/2023

Respondent: Forestry Commision

We have reviewed the documents online and fully support its aims and ethos as an exemplar example regarding trees and woodland, especially the protection of ancient woodland and increasing tree cover in the county.

Support noted.

Support

Representation ID: 4624

Received: 04/12/2023

Respondent: Forestry Commision

We do note your Policy CC5 regarding embodied carbon and the choice, use and sourcing of materials and consider that you may wish to consider mentioning the benefits of using locally grown timber in construction.

The 25 Year Environment Plan aims to support ‘Grown in Britain’ to increase the amount of home grown timber used in England in construction, creating a conveyor belt of locked-in carbon in homes and buildings”.

The use of timber in construction to replace concrete, steel and brick can be a major contributor to creating a truly green economy, currently the UK imports around 80% of the wood it consumes annually, we are the second biggest timber importer in the world. Using home grown timber would be of benefit in reducing the carbon cost of buildings in terms of materials, construction and transport etc.

Increasing levels of woodland management by increasing demand for locally grown timber can help improve the habitat condition of neglected woodlands, and also allow owners to address tree disease problems and increase resilience to climate change.

Agree. To make reductions in embodied carbon fewer materials need to be used more efficiently and the carbon content of the construction materials that are used needs to be reduced. Increasing the use of low-carbon materials, such as home grown timber, is important and the 25 year Environment Plan aims to support ‘Grown in Britain’ by increasing the amount of home grown timber used in England in construction, creating a ‘conveyor belt of locked-in carbon in homes and buildings.’