LOCALS say they are "deeply concerned" that an application to use a building set within ancient woodlands for commercial purposes could lead to further development longer term.

Residents in Deepdean are unhappy that a Class R planning application, which allows the conversion of agricultural buildings for commercial uses, has been submitted for land surrounding the hamlet near Ross-on-Wye.

The applicant, Mr Ian Newton, plans to use a Forestry Shed at Warmhill Wood to run ecology-focussed craft workshops, but locals anticipate that accommodation will also need to be provided, which they fear would be set within the woodland.

Residents believe this would lead to the development of "better" roads, sanitation, water, drainage and electricity in the area.

They say that to date, the woods have been managed "as all woodlands should be", but that Mr Newton is now seeking to develop the land which he recently inherited from his father.

Class R planning permission allows the conversion of agricultural buildings to commercial uses, subject to certain conditions and limitations.

The residents believe the permission would allow the owner to enjoy "an extremely wide scope" for changes and further development with no limits or requirement to seek further planning permission.

"Some local residents are deeply concerned and anxious for the immediate and long term implications of granting permission for the development of these woods", one local resident said.

"It would appear that the current owner will be granted permission to do as he wishes in these ancient woodlands.

"We also feel that the actual planning he is seeking is the beginning of much more to come."

"We urge all local people who cherish our woodland and use the public footpath that runs through it to take some time to look into the consequences of having this planning granted and take action."

A description of the proposed works, which was submitted to Herefordshire Council on July 14, explains: "The forestry shed is 200 m2 comprising office and secure tool store, maintenance and dry working area, and welfare.

"There is an additional 50 m2 of attached lean-to open sided equipment shelter.

"The proposed change of use is for combined business and light industrial including a workshop for woodland-based crafts, green woodwork, and a studio for low impact eco-architecture.

"In addition, it is proposed that occasional small-scale land and rural-based courses are run there."

The application goes on to say that the shed would only be used between the hours of 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday, and that there would be a maximum of 12 occupants at any one time.

The applicant also says there would not be any further noise disturbances from the change of use, with the site currently used as a working environment and the shed as storage for heavy machinery and tools, and that traffic on the vehicular access to the shed would be less frequent than it is currently.

The plans also include a proposed parking area for 8 vehicles, which the applicant says would not be visible from outside of the woodland or from public footpaths.

Residents are invited to comment on the application ahead of the closing of a consultation period on Friday (September 3), with a determination date set for Monday September 13.

More information about the application can be accessed by going to www.herefordshire.gov.uk/planning-building-control and searching ’Warmhill Wood’.