The proposed development of a firewood and charcoal production business (application reference 20/01752/FUL is inappropriate for the character of this area, with access directly onto the Lower Kirklington Road. This would change the perception of the area from rural to industrial/commercial and would involve a considerable increase in traffic, with both implications for highway safety and for noise in the area.

Part of the attraction of the area for Southwell residents is that it is a rural space rich with wildlife, particularly bats and birds. There is a longer-term negative implication should the area be commercially developed. Smoke from the site and vibration and noise from traffic using the site will be a threat to the continuation of ground nesting birds and bats

There are also health implications for residents of Maythorne and the wider area, the Southwell trail being a popular exercise route for Southwell. Many families with young children currently use this amenity and smoke emissions would be particularly damaging for this population. There is also the potential for damage to buildings in the hamlet of Maythorne, most of which are Grade 2 listed.