Thorley Lane East Woods campaigners call on Bishop’s Stortford Town Council to buy site

The Thorley Lane East Woods Action Group wants Bishop’s Stortford Town Council to reopen negotiations to buy the land.

The authority made two attempts to buy the Green Belt site in 2022 but was rebuffed.

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.

The Indie is also aware of serious attempts by a neighbour to secure the woodland which were also rejected.

The wildlife habitat has also been offered for sale and auction – as a whole or in parcels – on numerous occasions.

Now it is believed the landowner is ready to sell again – despite an ongoing appeal against East Herts Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a new home on the 3.1 acres.

Lloyd Richards used Facebook to offer the woodland for sale this month. It is understood his wife, Charlotte, is the legal owner.

The land is covered by a tree preservation order and the landowner claims that around £60,000 of maintenance is required to ensure health and safety.

A spokeswoman for the action group said members already fighting the planning appeal had been polled on what to do next.

She said: “It appears enlisting the support of those representing our local community appears more favourable.”

She said that when the protesters enlisted the council’s help in October 2022, it reiterated its opposition to selling Green Belt land as a development opportunity.

“I think this is where we start. Let them contact Mrs Richards to see if they can agree on a suitable purchase price. At least we could say that a further attempt has been made to remove the liability from them and give them some money to show for the woodland.”

She said compulsory purchase might also be explored, given the work required “to bring the trees up to a safe standard”.

She said: “I believe that purchasing the woodland by the community for the community is the best-case scenario.”

She hoped Bishop’s Stortford Civic Federation and Hertford and Stortford MP Josh Dean would back such a move.

The woodland’s supporters should regroup for a final push to save the woodland for the town, she said.

The Indie has contacted Mr Richards to respond and has asked the town council’s leader, Cllr Miriam Swainston, to comment.