THE ROLE OF FORESTRY IN MEETING PLANNING OBJECTIVES

Forestry policy increasingly aims to secure multiple benefits from new and existing plantations or woodlands, This implies that forestry pol icy needs to become harmonized with wider land use policy, One means f or achieving this is through the planning system. although it is commo nly the case that forestry operations are exempt from planning control . This creates a situation in which planning authorities must use a va riety of imaginative measures In order to influence the future pattern and condition of forest resources. The present study indicates that t here is a widespread recognition amongst planning authorities in Brita in of the ways in which forests and woodlands can help contribute to t he fulfilment of many environmental and socioeconomic objectives. Inde ed, development plans already contain numerous relevant policies. Howe ver, there are several key issues on which planners can only exercise indirect influence, and these are commonly approached by indicative pl anning, advisory references to management, and cautious use of plannin g 'gain'. It is suggested that there is considerable scope for further official guidance on the opportunities for positive influence by plan ners on the development of forests and woodlands. Copyright (C) 1996 E lsevier Science Ltd