BWW Consultation Procedures
Under the Better Woodlands for Wales (BWW) grant scheme, the consultation procedure for grant applications is carried out by the management planner. See the booklet below for further details. This procedure differs from the Woodland Grant Scheme, felling licence applications and Environmental Impact Assessment cases. The procedures involved in these cases are explained on the main Consultation page. When does consultation start?
Consultation is a process that is carried out throughout the development of the management plan. During preparation of the foundation plan, the management planners identifies consultees and stakeholders (typically local groups or individuals with an interest in the woodland) and will classify these groups into compulsory responders or non-compulsory responders . Compulsory responders include statutory consultees, and possibly neighbours whose property might be directly affected and we must get a response from them before the consultation on application can proceed to a conclusion. Responses from non-compulsory responders, although taken into account, are not required to formally bring consultation to a conclusion. The management planner sends all responders a dated copy of the draft management plan and asks for their comments to be returned as soon as possible. What role does Forestry Commission Wales (FCW) carry out in the consultation process?
For BWW applications, FCW assists the management planner by identifying any people or organisations known as Information Providers (IP's) who may have an interest in the proposals and can provide additional information to the case. FCW also checks applications against data held on our Geographical Information System (GIS). If we do not hold relevant data, for example, Tree Preservation Order (TPO) information, then we will contact the relevant information providers by e-mail to request this information be supplied. We will provide the IP with basic information about the proposals included in the application and provide a map showing the location and boundary of the woodland area. We hope to receive a response from IPs within 14 days. The management planner is responsible for handling all other aspects of the consultation process including obtaining the support and agreement of all consultees and stakeholders to case proposals. When assessing a case management plan, Forestry Commission Wales will check carefully to ensure that consultation has been carried out effectively and that all responses have been taken into account. FCW only becomes involved in cases that fail to conclude satisfactorily. How to find out about BWW application proposals
Details of all BWW applications will appear on the Register of Grant Scheme and Felling Applications. The Register is available on the Forestry Commission Wales website to all members of the public and will shows basic details about an application and a map showing the boundaries of the land involved in the application. Using this information, anyone can make comments about a case and forward these to FCW or the Management Planner assigned to the case. When a case reaches final management plan approval, details of this will appear on the register. Period of approval for BWW and further consultation
We will approve Better Woods for Wales Management Plans for 10 years. We will agree grant aid to implement the plan for 5 years; however, if there are no major changes to proposed management at the end of this period, we will negotiate a new contract for the remaining 5 years without the need for additional consultation.
GOH 03 - A guide to information sharing and consultation within Better Woodlands for Wales (416k - pdf)
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