Temporary Stop Notice at Pondtail Wood

Temporary Stop Notice at Pondtail Wood

May 18, 2016

Investigation into unauthorised work at Pondtail Wood, West Sussex

The National Park Authority used our powers to prevent any further unauthorised works when we were made aware of the matter. We issued a Temporary Stop Notice on 10 May requiring that all importation and deposit of inert waste and engineering works stop with immediate effect.

We are monitoring the site and the importation of waste has now stopped.
The Temporary Stop Notice is in place until the 6 June 2016 and we are taking legal advice about our next steps, including serving a formal Stop Notice and an Enforcement Notice requiring the removal of imported waste and remediation of the site.

The Forestry Commission are also involved in the current investigation and have issued a restocking notice requiring the replanting of the site with trees. We are also working closely with the Environment Agency, who are investigating the importation of waste.

We understand that the local community are frustrated with the damage to the site and are grateful they alerted us to the situation. We find the breach equally concerning, hence taking action to make sure all activity within our control was stopped as soon as possible while following the correct legal procedure to make sure that our actions are robust.

The SDNPA, Forestry Commission and Environment Agency are taking this matter very seriously and are working together to stop further damage to the woodland and to get the site restored as soon as possible.

How does planning enforcement work in the South Downs National Park

The National Park Authority does not own any land within the National Park. Our role is to work with landowners, residents and other organisations to conserve and enhance the landscapes, wildlife and heritage of the South Downs; and promote opportunities for people to understand and enjoy it.