Archive for January 2014
What happened to balance?
When the Commons Bill was published in 2005 we were concerned, among other things, about part 1, which allows for correction and updating of the common-land registers. We feared that in the process we might lose more than we gained. However, ministers continually assured us, and parliament, that the bill was balanced and affected landowners…
Read MoreDEFRA publishes guidance on authorizing structures
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has published its guidance to local authorities on authorizing structures such as stiles and gates on rights of way, and their obligations under the Equality Act 2010. (Click to read) This is the product of a working party on which the society was represented by Chris Beney.
Read MoreGovernment’s plans for common land biased against public
We have criticised as biased Defra’s announcement today (9 January) that it will bring into effect only part of the law for updating the common-land registers, to favour landowners against the public interest. The environment ministers Lord de Mauley and Dan Rogerson have said that the government will implement part 1 of the Commons Act…
Read MoreWe fight commercial use of public open space in Dulwich
We have opposed a planning application for a commercial children’s day-nursery on Dulwich sports ground at Turney Road in Southwark. The application has been made by Southwark Community Sports Trust to provide revenue for the trust to maintain the sports ground. There are many local objectors including the Friends of Belair Park. We consider that…
Read MoreThreat of closure of cobbled highway in Hebden Bridge
The owner of Hebble House, formerly the Hole in the Wall pub, in Hebden Bridge, Calderdale, wants to stop up part of an ancient, cobbled highway known as Old Gate and use it for private parking. The application has been made to the council under section 116 of the Highways Act 1980. If the council…
Read MoreWe object to private use of Surrey common
We have objected to plans by the Shere Manor Estate to construct four parking-spaces on The Hurtwood common, near Holmbury St Mary in Surrey. This is to provide parking for the future occupiers of properties created from the conversion of The Hollybush tavern. Because the works are on common land, they require the consent of…
Read MoreMisleading articles about homeowners and ramblers: we put things straight
The society has criticised as muddled, misleading and inaccurate the stories which appeared in the national press on 2 January, with the headlines ‘Homeowners win right to bar ramblers from land’ (The Times) and ‘Homeowners’ victory in battle with ramblers’ (The Telegraph). The stories suggest that, under the proposed Deregulation Bill, landowners will have a…
Read MoreLandmark judgment on highway obstruction
A High Court judge has ruled that gates erected across Barcroft Lane by Mr Brian Herrick, owner of the £3.8-million Barcroft Hall at South Petherton in Somerset, are unlawful. They must now be removed. On 17 February Mr Justice Cranston handed down his judgment in Herrick v Kidner and Somerset County Council, which is the…
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