HAMSTERLEY Forest residents have prevented Forestry England from claiming ownership of a track popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
Forestry England had applied to Land Registry in February to claim possessory freehold of West Hoppyland Farm track, prompting residents to lodge an objection.
Andy Richardson, who lives in the forest, said the issue dated back to 2021 when Forestry England (then known as the Forestry Commission) bought a patch of land, known as Hatcase, from a local farmer.
The land had planning permission for an eco-lodge development and the previous owner had already begun installing a power connection and had mapped out where the lodges would be.
It is thought that the land was bought as part of Forestry England’s plans, in conjunction with Forest Holidays, to create a resort of 70 nature-sensitive cabins as well as a Go-Ape adventure trail.
Hatcase is connected to the forest by West Hoppyland Farm track.
Mr Richardson said: “As part of that purchase I believe they thought they were buying the track, but when we investigated that [we discovered] they only had a limited right of way to access the land at Hatcase – they didn’t own the track.”
In February residents got wind that Forestry England had applied for adverse possession of the track and paid to have access to documents relating to the application.
Mr Richardson said: “We saw a few things that we didn’t think were correct and we saw things we thought we had grounds to object on.
“We objected because it is a really well used public right of way – it is used by cyclists, walkers, dog walkers, equestrian [enthusiasts] – lots of people use it.”
On September 25, residents were informed that Forestry England “did not provide sufficient evidence to meet the criteria for such an application and as such was cancelled.”
Mr Richardson said: “The locals thought it was a done deal because it was a government agency that put the application in.
“Because we have objected to it, we feel like we’ve been vindicated and common sense has prevailed.
“The track is now open for the public to use, the walkers, the horse-riders and so on.”
County councillor James Cosslett, who has been lending support to forest residents, said there is a major concern about access to the forest, particularly with the main route expected to be closed for more than a year because it is subsiding into the River Wear.
He added that the current remaining road infrastructure could not cope with a major development that would attract even more visitors to the area.
