Farm hedge should not be removed, officer says

A proposal to remove a hedgerow on a farm in North Yorkshire should be refused, according to a council officer.

The plans would remove the 731ft (223m) hedgerow between separate fields at Ravensdale Farm, at Stillington, near Easingwold.

The applicant said the work was needed to prevent soil erosion and to make access to the road safer.

However, the council's tree and woodland officer has recommended the work should not be authorised and the hedgerow should be subject to a retention order.

Alan Tomlinson, who was consulted about the proposals, conducted a site visit and survey earlier in December.

In a report to planners, he said: "The hedgerow is in good condition, is quite dense and is maintained in a box shape.

"There is evidence of old laying for at least 10 per cent of its length. Although predominantly hawthorn, a total of five native woody species were observed, including hawthorn, rose, field maple, elder and ash.

"Additionally, there is a significant level of bramble and ivy present."

He said the hedge also features a scyamore tree part of the way along it.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr Tomlinson concluded it met the criteria for an important hedge under the regulations and should not be removed.

A consultation on the application runs until 2 January.

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