OPTIONS are being explored to preserve a woodland in part of Christchurch following the rejection of a planning application to build housing on it.

More than 200 objections were received over the plans for the land south of Jesmond Avenue in Highcliffe.

The application was the fourth set of proposals tabled by Brentland Ltd after two previous schemes were rejected and the other was withdrawn by the developer.

The plans were heard by BCP Council's planning committee, who unanimously refused the application.

Read more: Decision day looms on woodland housing plan which attracted 230 objections

BCP Council's Highcliffe and Walkford ward councillor,  Andy Martin said: "I am delighted and grateful that the planning committee unanimously rejected this application and totally supported the view it would have caused huge and irreversible environmental damage.

"This is a wonderful early Christmas present for the whole community and it sends out a message across the whole conurbation about the value we place on our natural environment.

"The developer will no doubt appeal but that is a battle for another day.

"In the meantime we are already thinking of how we might secure the woodland for the community so we can remove the threat it has been under once and for all."

Highcliffe parish councillor Adam Sofianos said: “The battle to preserve Jesmond Wood has now lasted six years, and the Highcliffe community has seen off four separate planning bids. I question whether any application can ever succeed.

Read more: New homes plan for Jesmond Avenue woodland in Highcliffe

"The residents I speak to overwhelmingly want to see Jesmond Wood safely protected under community ownership, and we’ll be personally investigating options to secure its future.

"This has been a long and gruelling saga. For now the people of Highcliffe can rest assured that this precious woodland is safe.”

BCP Council chief executive, Graham Farrant, met with members last week, and a meeting has been arranged to discuss issues relating to the land.

The proposal for housing included one two-bed property and 15 four-bed properties and would have resulted in the loss of 245 trees, which according to a submitted arboricultural impact assessment equated to 27 per cent of the existing trees.