A row over the use of a protected woodland as a private garden is being taken to the government’s Planning Inspectorate.
Cumberland Council had issued an enforcement notice to resident Martin Bragg requiring him to restore the area at Mirebank Wood in Wetheral, near Carlisle, to its previous condition, including planting two trees to replace a beech and oak tree removed without permission.
Mr Bragg, who lives on Elm Garth next to the woodland, has appealed the council’s order through the planning inspector.
He denied the breach and claimed the enforcement notice was issued too late for the requested action to be taken.