Campaigners say England’s push to build more homes could increase pressure on ancient woodlands, despite planning rules that are intended to protect the habitats. The BBC found dozens of sites where planned developments would sit immediately next to woods.

Government planning policy says development affecting ancient woodland should be allowed only in “wholly exceptional circumstances”. The Ministry of housing, Communities and Local Government said the sites benefit from strong protections, and that rules require proposals causing their loss or deterioration to be refused, subject to limited exceptions.

Campaigners say the government’s target of 1.5 million homes by the end of 2029, alongside the introduction of the “grey belt” for lower-quality open land, could put woodland surroundings at risk. Lucy Graebe-Watson, chairwoman of Ancient Woodland UK, said local groups had raised more concerns since recent planning reforms and that protections were already struggling in some cases.

One example is approved development for 450 homes close to Hook Wood in Gillingham, Kent. Residents fear the project could harm local wildlife. In Derby, more than 1,500 people have objected to plans for about 150 homes on land bordering Chaddesden Wood Nature Reserve. Derby City Council rejected the proposal in 2025, but residents said they were concerned developers might submit revised plans. JGP Properties said its assessments showed there would be no loss or deterioration of the woodland or veteran trees.

In Rossington, near Doncaster, residents are campaigning against a proposed 130-home development around Gelster Wood. More than 2,000 people have supported efforts to challenge the plans. Local campaigner Gary Cantrill said residents were concerned about the effect on the historic landscape and the risk of flooding if fields that absorb rainwater were built over.

Ecological consultant Matt Shardlow said construction could affect woodland even if trees were not cut down. He cited possible damage to roots, changes to drainage, pollution, and noise and light that could disturb wildlife. Albemarle Homes said the woodland was not part of its original development site and that any future proposals would need to follow environmental rules.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said recent changes to planning policy had improved protections for irreplaceable habitats, but its nature policy head, Carl Bunnage, said they were still inadequate. He argued that allowing development in exceptional circumstances could leave room for projects to proceed, particularly where housing is in short supply.

The housing department said a revised National Planning Policy Framework published in August set out clearer policies for assessing proposals affecting irreplaceable habitats. Where its limited exceptions apply, the department said, compensation measures would be required.

Sources: BBC News UK.