Plans to sell state-owned forests in England have provoked a backlash Ministers are preparing to ditch controversial plans to sell thousands of acres of state-owned woodland in England, the BBC understands.
Government sources said they will announce on Friday that the current consultation be halted.
Instead, it is understood a new panel of experts will be set up to look at public access and biodiversity within the publicly owned woodland.
David Cameron hinted on Wednesday that he was backing away from the policy.
Asked during prime minister's questions whether he was happy with the plans, he said no.
Another government source said the Public Bodies Bill, which allows for woodlands to be sold off, would now be amended.
"We have heard enough from the consultation to know what to do," the source told the BBC.
The proposals to offload 258,000 hectares run by the Forestry Commission have attracted cross-party criticism and a public outcry, with Labour accusing ministers of "environmental vandalism".
The plans were intended to give the private sector, community and charitable groups greater involvement in woodlands by encouraging a "mixed model" of ownership.
But critics argued it could threaten public access, bio-diversity and result in forests being used for unsuitable purposes.
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Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-politics-12488847
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