Fri 11/07/2025 13:49

Vicki Bates (vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk); michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk; cllr.rachel.bresnahan@stockport.gov.uk; cllr.angie.clark@stockport.gov.uk; cllr.mark.roberts@stockport.gov.uk; liz.sykes@Stockport.gov.uk; Lisa Smart – Enquiries (enquiries@lisasmart.org.uk); emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk; info@reformparty.uk; Matthew Hill (Info@architecturalsolutionsltd.co.uk)

Formal Complaint Letter (EIR + Habitat Loss + Water Use Concern)

Subject: Formal Complaint: Destruction of Mature Shrub Habitat on Protected Land (LWS/Amenity Land)

Dear [Head of Planning / Environmental Services / Council Complaints Officer],

I am writing to formally raise a complaint concerning the recent clearance of vegetation, including long-established mature shrubs (notably laurels), on land designated as a Local Wildlife Site (LWS) and protected amenity land. I believe the council may have failed in its duty of care to protect this site under existing local policies, as well as the wider obligations under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).

⚠️ Key Issues

  1. Destruction of Mature Shrubs and Habitat
    • The site has recently undergone substantial vegetation clearance, including the removal of decades-old shrubs and understorey habitat, without any apparent ecological justification or public notification.
    • These mature shrubs, including laurels (estimated to be around 60 years old), provided critical habitat for wildlife and contributed to the amenity and ecosystem value of the land.
  2. Water Regulation and Hydrology Impact
    • Mature shrubs of this size and age absorb substantial amounts of water during the growing season through transpiration.
    • Their removal may have altered the soil moisture balance and water regulation capacity of the area — potentially increasing surface water runoff, erosion, or impacting neighbouring land and vegetation.
    • These ecological and hydrological functions should have been properly assessed prior to any removal.
  3. Failure of Oversight or Communication
    • It appears no planning permission, ecological assessment, or public consultation was carried out in relation to the clearance.
    • If this activity was conducted by the new landowner without consent, the council should have immediately intervened and taken enforcement action under its planning and environmental duties.
    • If the council approved or allowed this clearance, I request an explanation of:
      • How this complies with Local Plan policies protecting Local Wildlife Sites and amenity land.
      • Whether an Environmental Impact Assessment or ecological advice was sought.

📜 My Request under the EIR

Under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, I respectfully request the following as part of this complaint:

  1. A full explanation of the council’s role and any permissions granted regarding the clearance.
  2. Copies of any ecological advice, assessments, or planning records relating to this incident.
  3. Clarification of what protections are in place for this land and whether any were waived or overlooked.
  4. Details of any enforcement action taken, or reasons for not intervening, if the clearance was unauthorised.

I also remind the council of its obligations to consider public interest in environmental protection and transparency, especially where a designated Local Wildlife Site and public amenity land is involved.

This information should be provided in line with your statutory duties under the EIR, with any exceptions clearly and legally justified.

🔁 Requested Outcome

  • A full written explanation of what happened and who was responsible.
  • A commitment to re-evaluate management and enforcement practices relating to LWS and amenity land.
  • Where harm was caused, consideration of restoration measures or replanting to mitigate ecological loss.

Yours sincerely,

Sheila Oliver