Delbury Estate Woodlands
From: Phil Holden <phil.holden@shropshire.gov.uk>
Sent: 28 September 2026 15:29
To: Colin Stanford <Colin.Stanford@shropshire.gov.uk>
Subject: RE: Delbury Estates Forestry Management
Hello Colin
Sorry for the delay getting back to you. I know something of this case and of the system, but not enough I’m afraid to answer all your questions.
We as the National Landscape Team are normally consulted by the Forestry Commission on significant felling licence applications (possibly with a lower size threshold, I’m not certain). We were consulted on this one – Rachel will be responding but is asking for some extra time and also for some additional information. She has liaised with Martin Sutton on this too. We have some concerns about the proposals, mainly about the extent of proposed conifer replanting, when we would hope this to be more towards broadleaves, especially as I understand some of the area is Plantation on Ancient Woodlands Sites (PAWS). This is a bit of a longstanding impasse we have with the Forestry Commission, as they often seem to disregard our representations on this topic.
I gather local residents have raised issues about HGV traffic consequences as well as potential effects on flooding – these would both be issues on which we would support raising of concerns, though they may not be the main issues we would focus on. I assume the perceived risk to do with flooding is the proposed clearfell. It is usually better environmentally to do woodland works more slowly and in smaller units, but economies of scale and operational reasons sometimes militate against that.
I understand that you have been in touch with Martin directly. I don’t know the system for comments by the Council or indeed the public, I am only really familiar with how we input. As you say, it is different to planning.
Sorry once again for the delay. Happy to help further if I can.
Further comments from Adrian Beaumont, Shropshire council.
FLOOD RISK and potential damage to property;-
The application proposes phased felling and restocking over a ten-year period rather than the removal of all tree cover at one time. The potential effects on soil stability, water management and the wider environment will be considered as part of the assessment process in accordance with UKFS requirements.
ACCESS FOR FORESTRY OPERATIONS
This assessment is the responsibility of the landowner, agent, and contractor. They should determine the most appropriate type of vehicle and transport arrangements for forestry operations, taking into account the suitability of the public road network and any relevant highway constraints.
NATURAL HABITAT.
We recognise your concerns regarding woodland habitats . All forestry operations must be carried out in accordance with relevant wildlife and environmental legislation. As part of the Forestry Commission's assessment process, the proposed felling and restocking operations will be considered against the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS), including its provisions relating to biodiversity, protected species, habitat conservation and environmental protection. Where necessary, measures to avoid, reduce or mitigate environmental impacts will be incorporated into the approval conditions.
LANDSCAPE
We acknowledge your concerns regarding the potential visual impact of felling within this sensitive National Landscape and the contribution this woodland makes to the wider setting of Corvedale and Wenlock Edge. As part of the assessment process, the Forestry Commission will consider the design of the proposed operation, including felling coupe size, the retention of woodland cover, and restocking proposals, against the landscape requirements of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS). The aim is to ensure that landscape character is appropriately considered and that adverse visual effects are minimised where practicable.
I would like to highlight that, as the Forestry Commission, our role is to regulate and assess compliance with the relevant forestry legislation and permissions. Responsibility for planning and carrying out the work, including the methods employed and adherence to recognised industry best practice, rests with the landowner and/or their appointed agent or contractor.
Whilst we can provide guidance on our regulatory requirements, we are not responsible for directing, supervising, or approving the operational methods used to undertake the work.
I hope this clarifies the Forestry Commission's role and position in this matter and as it stands the application is UKFS compliant.
If you'd like to take this matter further this is the link to the complaints procedure https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/forestry-commission/about/complaints-procedure
Delbury Estate has submitted a 15 year felling plan for their woodlands.
From Shropshire council...
The tree felling and timber extraction operations on the Delbury Hall estate are fully authorized under a felling licence issued by the Forestry Commission. Because the estate holds an official felling licence, the woodland management and timber operations do not require separate planning permission from Shropshire Council.Key Details & Planning StatusJurisdiction: Standard tree felling or forestry operations do not trigger a full local planning application if a valid Forestry Commission licence is active.Landscape Oversight: Because Delbury Hall is a Grade II listed property* set within a historically sensitive landscape in the Corvedale area, felling licence applications and woodland design plans receive consultation and strategic feedback from the Shropshire Hills National Landscape Partnership (formerly AONB) to ensure the local ecology and views are protected.Associated Highway Works: Related structural changes, such as widening or lengthening culverts for heavy machinery access on nearby classified highways, do require standard planning permission from the council, even though the internal forestry work itself is exempt.
Currently the plan is being considered by the Forestry Commission.
The local woodland officer is adrian.beaumont@forestrycommission.gov.uk