Bishop’s Stortford Town Council to consider next move in battle to save Thorley Lane East Woods

Bishop’s Stortford Town Council’s leader has backed residents battling to save Thorley Lane East Woods from development.

The wildlife haven, protected by a blanket tree preservation order, is back on the market after a series of failed attempts to sell it at auction.

Despite restrictions imposed by the town’s Neighbourhood Plan, the 3.1-acre site is the subject of an ongoing planning appeal after East Herts Council refused planning permission for a so-called eco-house on the Green Belt plot.

Previous applications for a home and garage were lodged in 1994 and 2002, but both were refused by the district council and again by an independent inspector at appeal.

The Thorley Lane East Woods Action Group mobilised to ensure speculators were aware of the site’s history and current restrictions, and backed the town council’s efforts to buy the land in 2022.

At the time, it was being marketed for up to £250,000 – far more than its value as amenity land, then estimated at around £40,000, and the council’s offers were rejected.

Now the land is apparently up for grabs once more, the campaigners want the town council to try again to secure it for the community.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Miriam Swainston, who has led the council since May 2023, said that she was “very happy” to support the initiative and to meet with the group to discuss options.

She said town council chief executive Huw Jones was also making arrangements to have the issue considered by councillors.