An area of irreplaceable ancient woodland in the Swansea Valley is under threat following an application for a new quarry access road, according to green campaigners.

Both Swansea Friends of the Earth and the Woodlands Trust are urging supporters to lodge objections to the scheme ahead of the deadline on Thursday (September 3).

The plans would see the creation of a new access road to Cwm Nant Lleici Quarry, near Pontardawe, and lead to the destruction of three-quarters of an acre of ancient woodland while also cutting what remained of the site in two.

The proposals would also “severely damage” a Site of Special Scientific Interest, according to opponents.

The application, submitted to Neath Port Talbot council, has caused fury after it emerged that the current access road, used for more than 20 years, remains perfectly viable.

“The developers admit in the planning statement that the new road is being planned simply to settle a legal dispute regarding the use of the current road,” said a spokesman for Coed Cadw – The Woodlands Trust in Wales.

Coed Cadw claims the proposals would have a potentially devastating impact of the ecology of the woodland, which acts as home for a wide variety of animal species such as kingfishers, water voles and small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly.

Neil Jones, Biodiversity Campaigner for Swansea Friends of the Earth said: “Any objections to this application must be lodged with Neath Port Talbot Council by September 3.

“Ancient woodland takes centuries to evolve. If we’re not careful, this piece could be lost within a few months.”

The head of Coed Cadw sites in south Wales, Chris Matt said: “Ancient woods are our richest, most important sites for a vast range of insects, birds, animals, flowers and trees and are home to more threatened species than any other UK habitat.

“We simply cannot afford to lose them.

“Planting new trees elsewhere can never compensate for their loss.

“We’re working hard to protect, conserve and enhance ancient woodland on sites we own but this development would mean a loss to the network, something local people don’t want to see happen.

“What’s particularly galling is that there is no need for a new access road. A perfectly serviceable one exists already.

“We’re calling on everyone who agrees with us to register an objection with the council by going to our special campaign web page.

“Simply go to woodlandtrust.org.uk and search for Cwm Nant Lleici.”