Better access to Ford Common, Dorset

We have helped to achieve an excellent outcome from SITA UK’s plans to extend its Binnegar Quarry, close to Puddletown Road three miles west of Wareham in Dorset. Because the development would affect Ford Common, owned by SITA, the company had to offer land in exchange for the common land it wished to quarry. SITA…

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Battersea Park rescued from permanent motor-race circuit

We are delighted that the Formula E motor-race championship, which was approved by Wandsworth Council and set to continue every year in Battersea Park, will now only take place in 2016 with full reinstatement afterwards. James Jackson, whose judicial review of Wandsworth’s decision was due to be heard in court this week, has reached an…

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Commons in a ‘glocal’ world

This was the title of the conference which our general secretary, Kate Ashbrook, attended in Bern, Switzerland, in May.  It was organised by the International Association for the Study of the Commons (IASC) and Bern University, to discuss commons at a European level.  Kate tells the story. We should start with some definitions.  ‘Glocal’ means…

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The Fight For Beauty

In her newly-published book, The Fight for Beauty, Dame Fiona Reynolds, writes about the things that really make life worth living – a vision for our environment, our society and our future. Dame Fiona, a former Director-General of the National Trust, offers a path to a better future for us all. Her book can be…

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We fight plan to seize part of Haven Green common

We have objected to plans by Ealing Council to deregister part of Haven Green common. The council wants to legitimise a cycle hub which was constructed unlawfully on the common in 2012.  This did not receive the necessary ministerial consent for works on common land before it was installed. We argue that the council should…

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Threat to Dunsfold Common, Surrey

Kitewood Investments Ltd has applied for planning permission for 42 dwellings and associated development adjacent to Dunsfold Common south of Guildford in Surrey. The plans include an access track across the common, which will require the consent of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in addition to planning permission, because it is…

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