The Woodland Trust previously commented on the HIF programme proposals for the Hoo Peninsula. We were broadly supportive of plans for increased green infrastructure and new areas of woodland to buffer and reconnect SSSI and ancient woodland sites. The need for such buffering and connectivity remains vital to protect the landscape and delivery nature recovery goals.

Development which would result in the loss of ancient woodland, aged or veteran trees should not be permitted. The Woodland Trust would object to the allocation for development of any sites which have a direct impact on or are adjacent to identified areas of Ancient Woodland.

The Ancient Tree Inventory (ATI) for the area may be incomplete. We recommend an exercise to complete the ATI (which lists ancient, veteran and notable trees outside woods) across sites allocated or proposed to be allocated for development, in order to comply with the requirements of the NPPF for the protection of irreplaceable habitats.