A second bid to build eight flats in Shoppenhangers Road has failed at appeal over potential harm to a protected tree and nearby ancient woodland. The flats were intended to be built in place of Fairview, a detached home in Shoppenhangers Road. Application documents claimed the new scheme had been ‘carefully developed to address all concerns raised in the previous refusal’. Moreover, the demolition of the existing house would whip up dust, while construction vehicles might spill fuel or other pollutants, causing a contamination risk to the ancient woodland. “Such an outcome … would result in the deterioration of the ancient woodland, and to the other habitats and species which benefit from its presence,” they wrote in their decision.

Source: Express March 19, 2026 13:20 UTC