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The environment secretary has given the go-ahead to Yeoman Homes Limited for works on Layters Green Common, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks. The consent is for two temporary trenches for the replacement of mains water and mains electricity, and installation of mains drainage and gas in connection with development of an adjoining property.

The society, Chalfont St Peter Parish Council and two individuals objected to the application which was made under section 38 of the Commons Act 2006.

Last year, Yeoman Homes erected fencing and portacabins on the common without consent for works on common land, and removed them after pressure from the Open Spaces Society and parish council.

We deplore the approval of works on Layters Green. It is a beautiful common in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and deserves special protection.

We consider the trenches will cause significant disruption to the common and will be contrary to the public interest, interfering with people’s right to walk here. Unfortunately the Planning Inspectorate, which took the decision on behalf of the environment secretary, was satisfied with the applicant’s response that pedestrian access would only be partially restricted and that the site will be reinstated. However, the applicant has a poor record on this common so we do not share the Planning Inspectorate’s confidence.

We recommended the Planning Inspectorate to carry out a site visit before reaching a conclusion, and are sorry it declined to do so. We shall keep a close watch on the common to ensure the works are kept to a minimum and the common is fully reinstated afterwards.

We are deeply concerned at the potential effects of the Public Bodies Bill on the future of the Forestry Commission’s estate. The Bill has its second reading in the House of Lords on 9 November.

The Bill empowers the Secretary of State by order to amend how the Forestry Commission disposes of land, manages and uses it. The Secretary of State may exercise this function ‘for any purpose and unconditionally’.

We have sent a briefing to Peers, highlighting our fears.

Cowleaze Wood, Forestry Commission land on the Chiltern escarpment, Oxfordshire

Says Kate Ashbrook, our general secretary: ‘It is hard to conceive why ministers want such draconian powers unless they intend to dispose of much or all of the Forestry Commission’s estate.

‘At present, the public has a right to roam on 90 per cent of the 200,000 hectares of freehold Forestry Commission land in England (an area the size of West Sussex). The access is provided by a dedication under section 16 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. This land provides immense pleasure to people, for recreation and relaxation. The recreational opportunities are as varied as the forests themselves.

‘The minister must guarantee that those public rights of access will continue for ever, regardless of land ownership. He must also guarantee that the quality of those rights will be maintained, with good access points, clearly waymarked trails, picnic sites, interpretation and education opportunities. The Forestry Commission has a fine record for excellent-quality access.

Cowleaze Wood, Forestry Commission land on the Chiltern escarpment, Oxfordshire

‘Furthermore, if the land is used for another purpose, the access to it may be lost, because it could become ‘excepted land’ to which the Countryside and Rights of Way Act does not apply.

‘We fear that the effect of this Bill will be the wholesale loss of public access and enjoyment, not only in the famous woods and forests like the New Forest, Kielder, Bedgebury and Westonbirt arboreta, Cannock Chase and the Forest of Dean, but in numerous smaller woods close to people’s home—their local breathing spaces.

‘There has been no consultation about this measure, which could have a damaging effect on people’s lives. We hope that the government will rethink these devastating proposals.’

Thanet District Council in Kent has resolved not to sell off the Chine at the Western Undercliff in Ramsgate, and to reconsider the other proposed asset disposals.

The Chine is an immensely important site, for public enjoyment and for wildlife. We are thrilled that Thanet District Council has recognised its public value and resolved to keep it.

Thanet’s open spaces are of special value because the district has so few green spaces. According to the district council’s 2006 plan, Thanet has less than half the acreage of green space per head of population recommended by the then English Nature. It is vital that Thanet should retain its current open spaces, for the recreation, enjoyment and health of its citizens.

The council’s new, enlightened attitude is most welcome, and we hope that in reviewing its assets it will resolve to remove all open spaces from the asset-disposal list. They are too precious to lose.

Meanwhile, local campaigners Westbrook Against Selling Promenade Site (WASPS) are claiming village green status for land at Westbrook Promenade, and their application is due to be heard by Kent County Council shortly. http://westbrookwasps.blogspot.com/