It's Still There! Are More Protests Needed?

Despite all the campaigning and legal notices the portacabin is still there. If it wasn't for the blue band you might not notice it lurking ominously in the woods! Something is very bizarre though. It has been repaired after reports it was broken into. So, the landowner ('Lord' Jafari) is clearly able to maintain his largely abandoned 'temporary structure' whilst at the same time disregard his duty of care for the woodland. There are also rumours fencing which may have come from this wood is being dumped at his other development sites. However, his legal assistant (Mair Veritas) is claiming he is not responsible as he lives in Iran, despite being spotted around Bristol.
Photo : 6th January 2010

Town Green Application

Snuff Mills Action Group (SMAG) submitted an application for Grove Wood to become a Town or Village Green on 26th November 2009. Bristol City Council have acknowledged receipt and will be considering this throughout 2010. See their blog for more details.

Portacabin Broken Into

The portacabin has been broken into and many people fear it is now being used as a drug den. This only recently happened since the landowner moved it away from a more prominent position nearer the roadside. Where is his 'duty of care' for the woodland?
Photo : 28th November 2009

Litter At The Entrance

Plastic bags, full of empty drink bottles and beer cans are littering the entrance where the landowner has also left tree cuttings and garden waste. A large commercial pack of bottled water has also been abandoned beside the old metal railings.
Photo : 28th November 2009

Council Grant More Protection For The Wood!

Bristol City Council have taken further action by removing the Permitted Development Rights from Grove Wood. This means Mr Jafari can not undertake any developments normally granted to private landowners, such as building walls or installing temporary structures. This now enforces the level of protection the wood should have had from its conservation area status and we hope to see the temporary fencing also removed as it no longer serves any purpose. The council are also seeking to prosecute for the container not being removed by 22nd October 2009.
Photo : 7th November 2009

Portacabin Moved With A Tractor

On Friday 6th November 2009 the portacabin was shunted further into the wood with an old tractor. In the process the woodland floor was wrecked, leaving deep tyre marks in what appears another attempt to degrade the land. Although the landowner is causing more chaos, people can be reassured the campaign group is as strong as ever and that the Council are making some important decisions. Their action may appear slow at times as everything requires authorisation from their legal department. Please report any destructive activity involving heavy machinery, tree pruning or threats to wildlife:
Bristol City Council - Emergency Tel. (incl.out of hours)
0117-9222050
Photo : 6th (top) and 7th (bottom) November 2009

Pruning, Strimming And Fence Clearance

Recent pruning and strimming (21st-23rd October 2009) has resulted in lower branches being removed and saplings being cut back to ground level, despite the TPO. In January 2009, the High Court clarified all trees within a woodland, irrespective of age and including saplings are protected by a Woodland Tree Preservation Order (see here). Apparently the temporary fencing has been cleared in preparation for more permanent structures, possibly walls, and access to the upper footpath will be restricted despite its current assessment as a public right of way. There is concern innocent people are being randomly hired by the landowner or his associates to try to justify the existence of a portacabin. Anyone seeking 'gardening' work should be wary of replying to online advertisements.
Photo : 23rd October (top) and 7th November (bottom) 2009

More Good News! The Portacabin Is Going

On 24th September 2009, Bristol City Council ordered the landowner to remove the monstrous eyesore of a portacabin within 28 days (22nd October 2009). The Council now seem to be taking all the necessary action to protect this woodland for the public and its wildlife. To read the complete legal notice simply click on the image.
Photo : 18th October 2009

Fencing Blocks Lower Footpath Again!

For several weeks, the landowner's fencing has restricted access and caused potential danger to those using the lower footpath (Public Right of Way No.153). This has occurred on numerous occasions since its installation on 11th July 2008 (see below) but despite the Council enforcing the tree clearance this perpetual issue has still not been resolved.
Photo : 18th September 2009

Footpath Cleared Of Fallen Trees

On Thursday 23rd July 2009 the Council cleared the lower footpath (PROW153) of all the fallen trees, making the path safer and accessible to more people.
Photo : 27th July 2009

River Frome Flows Freely Again

Although immediately reported to the Council and Environment Agency, the tree which blocked the River Frome for over a year has finally been removed by the Council on behalf the landowner.
Photo : 27th July 2009

Famous Viewpoint

Famous viewpoint showing the landscape before and after the essential tree works. After a few years of regrowth it should look pretty similar. Look how much the ivy has grown in one year.

Council Tree Works

On Wednesday 22nd July 2009 the Council enforced highway regulations by doing the much needed tree works. Now the Council have made the trees safe the landowner can no longer make any claims for their removal. Surely this is better than replanting as once land is cleared it is easier for landowners to submit planning applications. Congratulations to all those involved for saving this line of trees - campaigners, public and councillors.
Photos : 24th July 2009

High Court Defends The Grove Wood TPO

The attempt to quash the Tree Preservation Order using section 288(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 has failed. The judge dismissed the case brought by the Council's ex-tree officer as he was not "aggrieved", since he neither owns the land or lives nearby. He also had no legal right to challenge the order as he was not an eligible "objector", despite persistently opposing the Council’s democratic decision making. This means the landowner is the only person who could attempt another challenge but this would involve the Secretary of State. The High Court also recognised the magnitude of public interest.

Cardiff Administrative Court: 10.30am Friday 3rd July 2009
Co/3998/2009: Jonathan Bown v Bristol City Council
Link to full report
Evening Post article, 22nd July 2009

In a separate case the High Court clarified woodland TPOs protect all trees within a woodland, irrespective of age or size:
Link to full report
Tree Care article

Mysterious Pruning Of Blackberry Hill Trees

Nobody seems to know who did this pruning on Monday 6th July 2009. There was confusion over whether this was the Council, Highways Agency or even a member of the public.
Photo : 18th July 2009

That Fencing Is Down Again!

The temporary fencing obstructs the lower footpath again.
Photo : 18th July 2009

Essential Tree Works

Essential tree works will take place from as early as Wednesday 22nd July to enforce highway regulations and public safety. All works have been subject to public consultation. Branches and trees overhanging Blackberry Hill will be removed (see above), as well as any obstructions on the lower riverside footpath. Bristol City Council will do this on behalf of the landowner who will be charged for the work. Five day notice (09/01588/VD)

Photos : top - 18th July 2009, bottom - 3rd May 2009

Dangerous Fencing Blocks Footpath Again!

The temporary fencing obstructed the lower footpath, causing further nuisance to the public. Thankfully, the Council ordered the landowner to deal with this, presumably as a Health & Safety matter. This land clearly needs better management. You can object to this dangerous eyesore by writing to the Council using case number 09/30029/WAL.

Photo : 15th April 2009

Change Of Ownership

Ownership of the wood has been transferred to one of many companies registered at the landowner's Bristol address. The Rhino Group Ltd is described as being involved with the "general construction of buildings and civil engineering works" and "forestry and logging." Not surprisingly, there have been numerous director, secretary and company name changes. According to the ecological survey conducted by Landmark (ref: 08/EC/2013/LJR), 200 trees were originally scheduled for felling - bizarrely published within public statement No.40 at the Council meeting on 1st April 2009 (see here). As suspected, there are commercial interests in this land but the Council will ever grant planning permission to build here so any property speculation is futile.

Survey extract: "As stated earlier, the majority of the c.200 trees scheduled for felling have yet to be marked up for removal. A number of the marked trees did have suitable features for roosting bats, however, the majority of the trees within the site were not considered to have large numbers of suitable roost features. It is understood that the c.200 trees require immediate felling for health and safety purposes."

Council Make The TPO Permanent!

Great news! The Council confirmed the Woodland Tree Preservation Order (TPO 1092) on 1st April 2009. Forty nine people submitted statements to defend the TPO, versus the one statement from the landowner's agent, Mair Veritas. The landowner's only option now is to challenge the Secretary of State over this decision, which given his history is highly unlikely. Read the landowner's insidious objections and the officer's response (South and East Development Control).

Third Attempt At Fencing

How ridiculous! This is completely unacceptable in a conservation area and it certainly restricts the movement of wildlife. The upper path is in the process of being designated a public right of way so the landowner is wasting his time by blocking access. This also demonstrates he is not able to manage such an important riverside woodland. The Council has a statutory duty to protect the environment, so if they invest so much in enforcing building regulations why the lack of standards in this conservation area? You can still enjoy the majority of the woodland so you shouldn't feel put-off going there - this is what the landowner wants. If anything, visitor numbers are increasing as the persistent misuse of planning procedures has encouraged lots of publicity. The lower riverside path has been a public right of way for many years so it is perfectly legal to walk there. If you encounter any problems or see anyone damaging the trees which are protected please contact the Council and Snuff Mills Action Group.

Photo : 2nd March 2009

Protest Walk - Sunday 25th January 2009

About 150 people including local MPs and Councillors enjoyed a peaceful walk through Grove Wood. This was a legal protest against the landowner’s recent attempt to restrict public access to part of the wood. People walked different paths in order to assert their 'right to roam' land which people have done for generations. MP for Kingswood, Roger Berry said "I have been aware of this row for a long time and now it seems we should look for this land to be taken back into public ownership by the city council. This is a woodland area which has been used by local people for a long time and we want it to stay that way" (Evening Post, 25th January 2009). There is the maxim "once a highway, always a highway", whether it is used or not. In the case of Harvey v Truro RDC (1903), Mr Justice Joyce said "Mere disuse of a highway cannot deprive the public of their rights. Where there has once been a highway no length of time during which it may not have been used will preclude the public from resuming the exercise of the right to use it if and when they think proper" (Rights of Way, March 2001).
Photo : 25th January 2009

Fencing Mesh

The mesh is 4cm wide by 26 cm high, which restricts the movement of larger mammals and much wildlife.

Photo : 16th February 2009

Additional Footpath Restriction

The fencing has already been vandalised! Could this be bored teenagers or the public asserting their access to land they have enjoyed 'by right' for over twenty years.

Photo : 22nd January 2009

Second Attempt At Fencing

What a mess! This is precisely what campaigners and the public have been warning the Council about for more than a year. The land now looks more like a building site. What about that petition for a Compulsory Purchase Order which 4,500 people signed?

Photos : 22nd January 2009

Tearing Up The Bund

The landowner has pulled the large wooden logs from the bund which he created in January 2008 by illegally chopping down healthy trees. It is common knowledge that kingfishers live along this riverbank and are a protected species... or are supposed to be! The 4x4 is also obstructing the public footpath. How much damage will this maniac do before he is stopped?

Photo : 17th January 2009

Fencing Off The Wood & Footpath

There is no planning permission for any permanent structure yet this temporary fencing was going to be concreted into the ground. This stops access to a footpath which is currently being designated as a public right of way. Remember, this is a conservation area and there are aesthetics to consider as well as the free movement of wildlife, particularly smaller mammals. The landowner and his workmen are supposed to be clearing the obstructions on the footpath beside the river but are hell bent on causing havoc and intimidating local residents. If we are to expect such poor quality work by this rogue property developer then the future for Grove Wood looks very bleak.

Photo & Video : 15th January 2009

Driving On The Pavement!

Another example of the blatant disregard for a public footpath.

Photo : 15th January 2009

Fencing Foundations

People were told the temporary fencing will be cemented into the ground but was then shored up with illegally felled logs (see above).

Photo : 15th January 2009

Tree Roots Severed

The roots of several trees have been severed despite the current Tree Preservation Order being in force.

Photo : 14th January 2009

TPO Granted - Making History!

Fantastic news! Members of the South & East Development Control Committee voted in favour of applying a blanket Tree Preservation Order to Grove Wood today, 29th October 2008. Praise goes to those councillors and officers for making a wise and brave decision in the face of opposition from their staff. Congratulations also to the Snuff Mills Action Group and everyone directly involved with the campaign. Thanks also to all the efforts of the public who have successfully lobbied the Council and overturned poorly delegated decisions which would have otherwise gone ahead. It's been long and arduous, to say the least! There were 35 formal requests for a TPO from the public, versus the landowner's single statement which he was denied reading as this was presented under the agent's name.

The TPO puts in force better protection for the wood, its wildlife and the public amenity of trees because the conservation status was considered to not provide enough protection for this historic area. This means that even the smallest tree in the 17 acres of part ancient woodland cannot be felled without a hefty fine and a requirement to replant it. It also saves the line of mature trees running up Blackberry Hill by reversing planning application 08/02173/DC which would have removed 27 trees in addition to those destroyed in January 2008 without any permission. There are no previous cases of this in UK legislation so the campaign has also made history!

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Council webcast:

http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/player/pl_compact.php?a=19675&t=0&m=wm&l=en_GB

Evening Post:

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/People-power-saves-Bristol-woods/article-437843-detail/article.html

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Photo : 12th October 2008

Protest & Petition - 14th October 2008

Over 75 people attended the protest at the Council House prior to the 4,500 strong petition being presented to the Full Council Meeting. The administration made a special announcement which recognised the seriousness of the situation.

Photo : 14th October 2008

Tree 8 - Marked For Felling

This is one of several other live trees deeper in the wood marked for felling but it is not clear why. Natural tree fall is a feature of this environment.

Photo : 12th October 2008

Tree 7 - Marked For Felling

An older tree beside the river also marked for felling despite the wood being registered as ancient woodland with Natural England. Overhanging branches provide the perching for many kingfishers.

Photo : 12th October 2008

Litter

Litter abandoned beside the unused fencing. The degradation of the wood by the landowner is encouraging this behaviour.

Photo : 12th October 2008

Litter

Sex litter accumulating behind the portacabin.

Photo : 20th June 2008

Litter

Litter accumulating behind the portacabin.

Photo : 20th June 2008

Why The Tree Clearance?

Aside from the concern for the conservation area status, many people think the landowner and well known property developer is slowly clearing this corner of the wood for future development as it is the flattest part of the seventeen acres.

Photo : 3rd September 2008

Protest - 17th September 2008

About 30 people took part in the protest at the Council House, many of whom then attended the Development Control Committee meeting. This was a good turn out considering it was the middle of a working day. The Evening Post and ITV West covered the event. Whilst councillors wished to see the wood protected this was met with resistance from the tree officer who advised the trees' amenity can not be assessed, despite this being his duty and other Council sources stating they are of "medium to high" public amenity. We must ensure the Council enforces the conservation status of the area - otherwise there is no point in having conservation areas or planning laws!

Save These Trees!

Blackberry Hill, Bristol - this well known and beloved viewpoint captures the essence of this conservation area. Like so much of Bristol this entails wood lined river gorges, let alone the distinctive pennant stone architecture. However, the Council have given permission for these iconic trees to be felled in planning application 08/02173/DC - 27 in total. Whoever fells these trees is guilty of not only destroying the immediate area but will be diminishing the very character of Bristol. If you are the tree surgeon approached by the landowner please weigh up the environmental and moral values against any financial gain and consider whether these trees would be better pruned rather than chopped down. There is also currently an official complaint against the Council regarding undemocratic procedures and possible maladministration. If there is enough continued public support these trees will be saved. Please inform environmental bodies, news agencies and campaign groups who operate within the law and let's get this ridiculous decision overturned before we loose a very important nature haven. It is common knowledge that bats roost in these trees but a proper investigation has still not been conducted. An independent CAVAT assessment valued these trees at over £640,000, far exceeding the purchase of Grove Wood (£39,000). See the list of benefits these trees currently provide.

Photo : 16th June 2008

More Trees At Threat!

The trees behind the wall are currently at threat of felling in planning application 08/02173/DC. Trees as magnificent as these are why conservation areas exist as they put the heritage of important buildings into context, provide high public amenity and numerous other benefits.
Photo : 16th June 2008

Wall & Tree In Harmony

One of the ideas to fell the trees is to preserve the wall (a controversial issue in itself) but these images clearly demonstrate its strength and condition. They have been coexisting perfectly well for many years and Blackberry Hill Hospital has retained its trees beside the same wall. What do you think?

Photo : 26th June 2008

Dangerous Fencing

Inevitably, the temporary fencing got vandalised. For several weeks, neither the landowner or the Council made any attempt to remove this eyesore which also posed a danger to the public who regularly use the footpath. Locals got so fed up they cleared the obstruction themselves.

Photo : 22nd July 2008

Fencing Off The Wood

The landowner put up fencing which completely ruined the character of the area, along with the large portacabin. This did not make him very popular with the public or the Council.

Photo : 12th July 2008

Fencing Delivery

The landowner receives delivery of temporary fencing.
Photo : 11th July 2008

Protest - 7th July 2008

There was a peaceful demonstration against any further destruction of Grove Wood, in particular the Council's refusal to grant a Tree Preservation Order. They claim the trees don't meet the necessary conservation status and are more concerned about the wall and hearsay about tree root obstruction! Over 250 people aged from seven to seventy came out on a wet evening, sending out a clear message to preserve these trees.
Photo : 7th July 2008

Council - No Tree Preservation Order

This rejects the Tree Preservation Order requested by numerous people in order to preserve the conservation area and wildlife habitat.

Letter : 4th July 2008

Magic Trees!

These trees should be preserved for their magical powers alone! On the 21st June 2008 they moved themselves from the Riverside Unit to "Woodland at Blackberry Hill" (which is actually Grove Wood) in planning application 08/02173/DC. Was this another 'genuine' mistake?

Bottom Image : 21st June 2008

Healthy Trees Turned Into Logs

Many perfectly healthy young and mature trees were illegally felled and piled up along the river bank when the land was initially cleared in January 2008.

Photo : 7th June 2008

Map 1 - Title Plan BL64497

The boundary of the seventeen acres of natural woodland lying along the south side of the River Frome, part registered as ancient woodland with Natural England.

After The Mini Digger

Looking West, this is how the land looked after the mini digger.
Photo : 30th January 2008

Before The Mini Digger

Looking East, this is how the land looked before the mini digger.

Photo : January 2008

River Bank In January 2008

The wood turned into debris and piled up along the river bank.
Photo : 30th January 2008

Felled Tree Trunk Widths

The widths of different healthy trees which should not have been felled. All trees within conservation areas with a trunk diameter of 75mm measured at 1.5m above ground level are supposed to be protected by the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and its Tree Regulations 1999.
Photo : 30th January 2008

Tree 6 - Buried Stump

The stump of this healthy tree was buried among the rubble.

Photo : 30th January 2008

Tree 5 - Mature Stump

This mature tree should not have been felled under the land's conservation status. At their widest the stumps measure 500mm and 250mm in diameter.
Photo : 16th June 2008

Tree 4 - Young Stump

With a diameter between 150mm and 100mm, this should not have been felled as young trees are important for the wood's regeneration.

Photo : 16th June 2008

Digging Up A Bank

This is what a mini digger can do. The earth was then illegally dumped along the river bank, ruining the habitat for protected species including otters and kingfishers. Was this an attempt to start leveling the land?

Photo : 16th June 2008

Wood Clearance

If you go down to the woods today... there isn't any wood!
Photo : 16th June 2008

Wood Clearance

The wood beside the roadside cleared for possible development.

Photo : 16th June 2008

Young Trees Destroyed

This is how the wood beside the roadside was before being cleared of saplings and young trees, reducing the natural habitat. Is the Council allowing this thinning out process?

Photo : November 2007

Council - No Replacement Trees

This exempts the landowner from replacing numerous trees which were illegally felled in this conservation area. Again, permission was granted retrospectively - planning application 08/00661/VD. This means there will be no new tree canopy to replace the existing trees in years to come, let alone a wood!

Letter : 4th March 2008

Tree 3 - Marked For Felling

A live Hawthorn marked for felling. Send your objections to Bristol City Council (Planning Department) to save this and other trees. Involve other organisations in order to get the trees protected!

Photo : 12th June 2008

Digger Delivery

Was this an attempt to do more ground works or 'accidentally' knock down some more trees?

Photo : 10th June 2008

Planning Application 08/02173/VC

The planning application to fell numerous trees along the roadside incorrectly sited the trees in neighbouring land. These magnificent trees should be protected by Tree Preservation Orders and possibly thinned if they are considered dangerous.

Photo : 7th June 2008

Tree 2 - Root Base

A tree of similar age and within yards of Tree 1 which didn't split its trunk but pulled up its root base, probably as a result of high winds.

Photo : 10th June 2008

Tree 1 - Whole Canopy In River

The whole tree canopy blocks the River Frome as well as the daily flight path of numerous kingfishers. Other trees have also mysteriously fallen down.

Photo : 10th June 2008

Tree 1 - Split Trunk

The trunk split a few feet up from the ground in what appears to be a perfectly healthy tree on loose ground. Is this tree sabotage as there appear to be no natural causes like disease or high winds?

Photo : 10th June 2008

Tree 1 - Blocking The Footpath

A large tree blocks the public right of way. Could this be another attempt to restrict public access?

Photo : 10th June 2008

Public Access Restricted

The wood includes a short driveway which has been blocked off although its been walked through for many years.

Photo : 8th June 2008

Public Access Restricted

The landowner blocks off a path which has been used for generations, even though it appears on maps. People are in the process of getting this categorised as a public right of way. The top path and riverside path are public rights of way but the landowner has been trying to frighten people away.

Photo : 8th June 2008

River Bank In June 2008

Wood, shale, earth and other debris piled up along the massive stretch of the river bank, thus radically altering the natural habitat for otters and other protected species. Could this be the beginnings of a dam to assist a future planning application?

Photo : 7th June 2008

Fire, Hut & Sign

Fires have been regularly burning in this conservation area which many people think are an attempt to smoke out the bats. If the landowner is allowed to clear the wildlife and protected species it will be easier to get planning permission to build on the site.

Photo : 2nd June 2008

Fire & Smoke

Smoke disturbs bats which are a protected species. The activity of strimming and removal of undergrowth scares away wildlife, reptiles and small mammals which are also a food source for other animals, including mice which are eaten by owls.

Photo : 2nd June 2008

Portacabin Is Hardly Used

This portacabin was put in the woods on 30th May 2008. The Council initially said any building, even a temporary one, would need planning permission but retrospectively granted consent. This disregards the public amenity of the woods as well as making a mockery of planning law.

Photo : 30th May 2008

Workman's Vehicle

The workman's vehicle which has been parked in the wood without planning permission.

Photo : 2nd June 2008

Landowner's Vehicle

The landowner's vehicle which has been parked and driven through the wood without planning permission.

Photo : 2nd June 2008

The Wood Bulldozed

The initial assault on the wood in January 2008, presumably to try to take advantage of less public presence - just one month after the land was bought at auction for £39,000.

Photo : 26th January 2008