BRITAIN’S top female tennis player Johanna Konta has withdrawn her application to build a four-bedroom house on the edge of Ashdown Forest.
The Australian-born 27-year-old last week abandoned her plans as the proposed development was found to breach planning rules by damaging ancient woods.
Conservation group The Woodland Trust objected to the plans to build on land on the edge of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This ancient woodland provided inspiration for AA Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood, the setting for the Winnie the Pooh stories.
Protection
The world number 39 hoped to build the single-storey property for her Hungarian parents, Gabor and Gabrielle.
She said she did not have plans for taking any of the trees but instead wanted to create a ‘place in the country’ off the A22.
Last month the government had increased the protection of the ancient woodland and veteran trees.
Spokesman for Woodland Trust, Jack Taylor said: ‘We’re delighted Ms Konta has seen the advantage of precious ancient woodland.
‘If she would like to discuss any future building plans with us or would
