Last updated at 16:07, Wednesday, 14 November 2012

Landowner Philip Day has denied allegations that he damaged Gelt Woods, near Brampton.

Philip Day, owner of the Edin-burgh Woollen Mill, leaves court

The 46-year-old businessman appeared before Judge Peter Hughes QC at Carlisle Crown Court where he pleaded not guilty to three charges.

Wearing a dark suit and blue and yellow striped tie, he sat on the benches with his legal team, not in the dock, with the consent of the court.

He spoke only to confirm his name and to enter the three not guilty pleas.

The charges, brought by Natural England, relate to alleged work on a pond at the woods at Hayton, near Brampton, a designated site of special scientific interest, before November 25 2010. The work is alleged to involve cutting trees and the construction of banks without notifying or with the consent of Natural England.

Day, who lives just over a mile away at Edmond Castle, bought the woodland in 2010.

During the one-and-a-half hour hearing, legal discussions were held between the barristers and the judge.

The case was adjourned until April 18 and 19 for a pre-trial hearing. The trial was provisionally set for July 15 next year.

The court heard that it may last up to 10 days.

First published at 16:05, Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk