IGNORING the commercial and environmental potential of forests and woodlands in the region is a grave mistake, according to a leading rural organisation.
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has criticised the treatment of forestry in the draft Regional Planning Guidance, produced by the West Midlands branch of the Local Government Association.
CLA West Midlands regional director Frances Beatty said there were huge opportunities in the region for the planting of new woods and forests, and for unlocking the neglected potential of existing woods.
"Commercial forestry is a specialised industry, with a long lead time, and should not be bracketed with agriculture, particularly in the light of climate change, the growth in biomass power generation and other new uses," said Mrs Beatty.
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