Development next to Welsh Newton common, Herefordshire

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Looking north west at Welsh Newton Common
© Copyright Peter Wood and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

We have objected to a planning application which could have a damaging effect on Welsh Newton common in south Herefordshire.

The plan is to convert the redundant Methodist chapel to provide additional accommodation to the owners of Primrose Cottage next door, and to erect a garage at Primrose Cottage.

The properties are immediately adjacent to Welsh Newton common, and the development could mean that there will be new access-ways over the common or improvement of existing tracks. Works on common land require the consent of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under section 38 of the Commons Act 2006, in addition to any planning permission. It could also lead to car-parking on the common, for which there is no right.

We are disappointed that there is no mention of the common in the planning application, nor do the applicants appear to recognise that they may need the minister’s consent for works.

We have said that Herefordshire Council must issue an advisory about the potential need for common-land consent if it should, regrettably, grant permission.

We also believe that the development will lead to unacceptable suburbanisation and abuse of this lovely wild common, and people’s quiet recreation here.

We trust the application will be refused.

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