The views of the community in Stanley are being sought about the future use of a local woodland site in the centre of the village.
Slightly larger than half an acre in size, and located on the western side of Perth Road, the mixed coniferous and broadleaved semi-natural woodland has been owned by the Council since 1991.
The well-established lower-level vegetation means that the site is not suited for recreational use, but it does have biodiversity value and has been protected by a Tree Preservation Order since 1987.
An enquiry from a resident seeking to buy the area in question has prompted consideration of whether other parties should be given the opportunity to more actively manage the site.
The Council is willing to sell or lease the woodland, but also wishes to be guided by local community feedback as to whether it should seek to sell the site to the interested resident at market value, or instead explore whether any community groups would be willing to take on responsibility for its management via sale or lease.
A public consultation is therefore now open for eight weeks until 11 August 2024 on the Council's online Consultation Hub. Feedback received during the course of the consultation will be used to inform the Council's decision-making process on the future ownership or management of the wood.