The following response to the Borgue CC consultation submission was received from Joe Benson of Scottish Forestry.
I have attached a copy of the map of the woodland design that was approved for this case.
The response from Borgue CC was read and recorded. Unfortunately, I do not have the time to directly respond to every response I receive during the formal consultation process. Apologies for not sending an email to confirm that I had received it.
To clarify, my role is to assess a Woodland Creation application in relation to relevant guidance and regulations prior to the application being approved. This application underwent this process. Any issues that were raised during the formal consultation process, that were within the remit and scope of my role and responsibilities, were addressed prior to the application being approved.
Many of the concerns that were raised by Borgue CC relate to Scottish Government policy and its wider implications on land use change, employment, tourism, and community gain. Whilst these are interesting questions, I am not at liberty to discuss opinion on Scottish Government policy. To clarify, I am an official working on behalf of the ministers. Any issues that were raised that were relevant to the application assessment process were considered in line with the relevant guidance and regulations prior to the application being approved.
A Community Council has no right to appeal the approval of a Woodland Creation case. Something to note is that the public consultation process for Woodland Creation cases (which is a land use change) is different to the public consultation process for Planning Applications, as they are governed by distinct and separate regulations.
If you want to discuss this matter on the phone I will be available Thursday. Let me know a time that is convenient for you as I will have to schedule you in.
Many thanks,
Joseph Benson
Woodland Officer
South Scotland Conservancy
Scottish Forestry
55/57 Moffat Road, Dumfries
Mobile: 07500882989