Bitter row over Norfolk woodland
The prospective developer of a six-acre woodland in King's Lynn has attracted fury from locals
A six-acre area of woodland on the outskirts of King's Lynn has attracted controversy, after an estate applied to develop it in memory of his late father.
The woodland, which was created by the late councillor John Loveless, borders a high school.
London-based estate agent Andreas Panteli, 47, bought the land in May for £31,000, and plans to prepare the plot for 'country sports'.
Panteli told Eastern Daily Press: "The plan was to tidy it up and get some enjoyment out of it ... you can't walk around it without injuring yourself."
He also wished to plant fig and olive trees on the land, as those species once grew in his father's garden.
Panteli had already begun work developing the land, until a Tree Preservation Order was put in place in September, following complaints.
But Panteli has submitted an application to continue work.
Locals have filed more than 110 complaints about the proposed development on the council's portal, expressing concerns that King's Lynn has very little urban woodland, and that shooting rifles would be unsafe near homes and a school.
Panteli said he would only host low-impact activities on the land, and would use silenced rifles rather than shotguns.
Rob Colwell, of the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, said: "I appreciate that the gentleman said he'd purchased this land as a memory to his father.
"But to me, a greater memory for his father would be to allow the trees in that woodland area to remain as they are."