An extension has been granted to an ongoing consultation period for Forestry England’s proposal to convert local farmland into new woodland after a request from the local MP.

The farmland, at Picklescott near Church Stretton, has been identified by Forestry England as a proposed area in a bid to "expand the nation's forests".

Mr Anderson recently called on Forestry England to extend the consultation period, to give residents a fair chance to submit their views on the proposed plans.

In a letter to the chief executive, the MP relayed major concerns that had been raised from residents, including worries about the lack of an appropriate road system for traffic, the risk of increased sheep worrying at the location, and importantly, possible damage to views of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The recently elected MP said: "I am grateful to the many residents who raised with me their concerns about Forestry England's plans to convert farmland at Picklescott into new woodlands.

“Given the significance of this proposal, it is important that as many residents as possible get to have their say on the plans that have been put forward.

"Since the consultation had only been open for a week, I was concerned that the August 11 deadline for feedback would be too soon for residents to fully engage with the consultation.

“Having written to the chief executive of Forestry England, I am pleased that they have now agreed to extend the consultation period by one week until August 18. Although this is just one-third of my recommended extension, it is a welcome move nonetheless.

“I am now arranging to meet the chief executive on site so that the views of local residents, including farmers, are heard at the highest level within Forestry England.”

Draft designs are available to view and to comment on via Forestry England’s website at https://consult.forestryengland.uk/forest-districts/picklescott-consult/.

Those who are not able to do this can instead respond via email to woodland.creation@forestryengland.uk.