Forestry buildings in the South Hams National Landscape

Battle over and war won down in the Westcountry with consent granted for the retention of forestry buildings associated with an established woodland enterprise engaged in timber production, charcoal manufacture and woodland management. This little job lasted longer than the Siege of Leningrad and was just as arduous - with the only relief being that I didn't have to eat any cats...

The development comprised a timber drying and seasoning workshop, plant and equipment storage, together with staff welfare, office and ancillary operational facilities required to support the day-to-day management of the woodland.

The application required a careful demonstration of functional need, drawing upon the site's long planning history, operational requirements and the role of supporting infrastructure in maintaining a viable forestry business.

Particular emphasis was placed on the relationship between the development and the essential needs of the enterprise, together with consistency in decision-making given the site's previous planning approvals.

A satisfying outcome which secures the future of an active forestry operation and reinforces the positive role that planning can play in supporting productive rural land management.