Community Consultation
Portal Woodland – Public Consultation
Portal Woodland in Martlesham is being sold by its owner, Grainger PLC. Many residents have asked the Parish Council to help protect this much loved woodland. As well as being an important natural space, the area has heritage value, including links to the former Martlesham Heath airfield and historic tumuli.
The Parish Council has agreed to prepare a bid to buy the woodland so it can be protected for the community. Portal Woodland is listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), which gives a six‑month period during which it cannot be sold on the open market. This window allows us time to put together our bid.
How the Purchase Would Be Paid For
If the Parish Council buys the woodland, the cost would be covered by:
• Donations from the community
• Parish Council reserves
If reserves are used, we would need to borrow money to restore them. Parish councils can only borrow with government approval, and we would apply for this if required.
What This Means for Your Council Tax
A Band D household in Martlesham currently pays £107.92 per year in Parish Council precept.
Using a worst case scenario (the whole purchase funded from reserves with no donations), a Band D household would pay £4.12 more per year — a 3.8% increase. This would only cover loan repayments. If donations reduce the amount borrowed, the increase would be smaller.
If the Parish Council Does Not Buy the Woodland
If our bid is not successful:
• No borrowing will take place
• No precept increase will be needed for the loan
Have Your Say
Portal Woodland is an important part of our local environment and heritage. We want to know whether you support the Parish Council’s proposal to buy the woodland so it can remain a space for the community to enjoy. This consultation is not a vote but will help guide the Parish Council’s decision making. Please complete the consultation form and share your views.