Archived press release

High Court to rule on Newbottle Wood

31 October 2006

The High Court has approved an application for Judicial Review of the decision to allow 7,000 trees to be cut down at Newbottle Wood in the Great North Forest to make way for football pitches. A hearing will take place in London to decide their fate.

Local environmental campaigners, the Trees & Wildlife Action Group (TWAG) had applied for a judicial review with the help of Friends of the Earth's Rights & Justice Centre, arguing that plans to destroy up to five hectares of community forest were unlawful without a full environmental impact assessment being carried out.

The group also applied for an injunction to stop work in June 2006 after developers moved on to the site. The High Court's approval of the application for Judicial Review means that the injunction will remain in place until the case is heard.

Paul Bennett, speaking for the Trees and Wildlife Action Group, said:

"This is an important decision. Newbottle Wood is a valuable area for local people and should not be sacrificed unnecessarily. There are other sites that could be used to build football pitches - and in that way nobody would need to lose out."

Phil Michaels, speaking for Friends of the Earth's Rights & Justice Centre said:

"I am delighted that the Court has given permission to the group to take their case forward and that the injunction remains in place. The Forestry Commission should never have allowed this to proceed without carrying out a full environmental impact assessment. This is an important case that needs to be resolved by the Courts so that the local environment and the local community are protected."

Newbottle Wood in Houghton-le-Spring near Sunderland, is part of the Great North Forest, and one of only 13 community forests in the UK. Developers want to fell the trees to prepare for building 20 football pitches, car parking and associated buildings and infrastructure.

Trees and Wildlife Action Group is looking for donations to help save the trees and the wildlife that resides in Newbottle Wood. Contact tw.actiongroup@btinternet.com

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust