Environmental campaigners say they are outraged at plans to build a golf course on woodland that used to belong to the founder of Rolls- Royce. The forestry commission is negotiating a deal to save ancient woodland near Monmouth.
But the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales have criticised the commission, saying it has not made enough effort.
Developers soon to take possession of the Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club on the 600-acre Hendre Estate, have submitted plans to build a second 18-hole course there.
They also intend turning the estate's mansion, the former home of Charles Stewart Rolls, into a hotel.
The project involves clearing 45 hectares of woodland owned by the Forestry Commission.
A spokesman said the commission is content to surrender about 40 hectares of 'poor quality' woodland, but the terms of the deal have not yet been agreed.
In return the commission will acquire a freehold over the remainder of the woodland on the estate.
Because the developer plans to build a new road on the site, the Forestry Commissions says it will be able to improve public access to the woods.
But the CPRW say it is a poor trade. The commission has 946 years left to run on its lease and could extract a far better price for it, the CPRW said.
The CPRW called on Monmouthshire County Council to reject the plan.
Source: Financial Times
