Sunderland City Council has Granted Approval for the Construction of 20 New Football pitches.(04/028641/FUL)

What the Planning Notice did not reveal is that 7,000 trees are required to be felled to make way for Phase One. These trees form part of the Great North Forest that was planted eight years ago. The trees are currently protected by a planning condition that requires a 'tree survey'. The woodland teems with wildlife and Pippistrelle Bats are present.

The Forestry Commission (FC) are to receive back their £57K grant. The FC have no statutory powers.

We are hurriedly forming a Tree and Wildlife Action Group (TWAG). In the meantime we would very much appreciate any ideas how we can prevent this development?