We are shocked and surprised at the Secretary of State’s decision but the campaign to Save Woolsington Woods does not end here. Lots of people have been asking if there is anything else we can do and if there are plans for further action. We have written to Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, expressing our regret over the decision to delegate powers to a local authority that discussed this encroachment on the green belt over the past four years without reference to the local plan or public consultation. We have highlighted the fact that an enabling development - the 72 millionaire homes - does not and cannot excuse secrecy. The lack of public consultation makes a mockery of local democracy. The next phase of the campaign is to ensure that Cameron Hall Developments Ltd adheres strictly to all conditions, as set out in the committee report on Newcastle City Council’s public access portal. These conditions are subject to amendments so we have requested that Newcastle City Council send us the latest draft of the full conditions and also the latest draft of the Section 106 agreements (mechanisms that make a proposal acceptable in planning terms, that would otherwise not be acceptable). It would be helpful if people could familiarise themselves with these conditions and be vigilant prior to the development commencing and throughout the demolition/construction phase if at all possible - you may wish to make informal visits to the site to ensure the conditions are being met. John Hall was granted planning permission to develop Woolsington Hall – minus the destruction of woodland and historic parkland – in 2001 but never went ahead with the developments. A response received from Historic England regarding the open door at Woolsington Hall, suggested that as the house and grounds are used to train police dogs this may be why the door was open, however, Northumbria Police has confirmed that the hall itself is not used for training purposes. A letter has been sent to Newcastle City Council and Historic England to request their collaborative action to ascertain the current situation regarding security and maintenance and health and safety at Woolsington Hall. Lest we forget, the loss of Woolsington Woods has come about as a direct result of continued neglect of Woolsington Hall. Thank you to everyone who has supported the campaign so far. Check the Save Newcastle Wildlife Facebook page for developments.