Ipswich Borough Council is taking steps to protect a valuable green lung in Ipswich with its proposed purchase of the woodland in Mitre Way.
This would ensure this valuable town centre amenity woodland is protected and it would be managed to ensure residents’ amenity is also maintained. The proposed purchase is in line with the Council’s Carbon reduction and air quality improvement commitments.
Mitre Way is a 1.12 acre woodland site that is close to the waterfront and town centre. There is a long history of refused planning applications / appeals for a single residential property on the site. The Council owning the land will ensure long-term protection of the area as woodland.
The White Elm Woodland Community Interest Company (CIC) was set up to endeavour to secure the future of the wood and were crowd-funded to try and acquire the site. Prior to submitting the offer by the Council, discussions were held with the CIC for them to contribute by way of a Deed of Gift towards the Council’s proposed acquisition. However, the Council would be the sole purchaser.
A plan is being developed to ensure the woodland is actively managed and that it remains protected and a valuable asset to the local community. There may be scope for positive community involvement in the site management.
Cllr David Ellesmere. Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, says:
“I am glad we have been able to work with White Elm Woodland to protect this valuable “green lung” in Ipswich. The purchase by the Council gives certainty that this land will not be developed in future and will be managed as woodland for the benefit of current and future generations.”
Faye Harburt, a Director of White Elm Woodland Community Interest Company, says:
“We are pleased that Mitre Way would be maintained as woodland and we would look forward to working with Ipswich Borough Council to ensure the best use of this green space in the coming years.”
