An application to remove 223 metres of hedgerow on a North Yorkshire farm should be refused, a council officer has advised.
A planning application has been submitted to remove the hedgerow which separates fields at Ravensdale Farm, Stillington, near Easingwold.
The applicant says the work is needed to prevent soil erosion and make access to the road safer.
But Alan Tomlinson, the council’s tree and woodland officer, who has been consulted on the plans, has recommended that the work should not be authorised.
The officer conducted a site visit and survey of the hedgerow earlier this month.
He said in his report: “The hedgerow is in good condition, is quite dense and is maintained in a box shape.
“There is evidence of old laying for at least ten per cent of its length. Although predominantly hawthorn, a total of five native woody species were observed, including hawthorn, rose, field maple, elder, and ash.
“Additionally, there is a significant level of bramble and ivy present.”
The hedge also features a sycamore tree part way along.
Mr Tomlinson concluded that the hedgerow met the criteria for an important hedge under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997, and should be retained.
He said the application should be refused and the hedgerow be subject to a Hedgerow Retention Notice.
A consultation on the application runs until January 2.
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