Final approval has been granted by Eric Pickles, Secretary of State at the Department of Communities and Local Government (
The development of Oaken Wood will be an extension of the existing Hermitage quarry site, which produces Kentish ragstone for building stone and aggregate.
A wildlife survey of the site shows that it hosts nightingales, rare lady orchids and six different bat species.
The DCLG says the planning application was supported by local Members of Parliament (MPs), Kent County Council and English Heritage. However, the Woodland Trust says the decision shows that no green space is safe under the new National Planning Policy Framework. The DCLG says the land will be restored to native woodland in due course.
