Archive for December 2017
The Open Spaces Society slams ‘zipper-mere’ plan
We have slammed plans by Treetop Trek for a massive zipwire development across Thirlmere, in the heart of the Lake District National Park. The proposals include eight cables stretching across the lake, with take-off and landing points, gantries, additional car-parking provision and buildings. Says Kate Ashbrook, our general secretary: ‘These plans would make Thirlmere into…
Read MoreWe fight new ‘warehouse’ structure’ in Chilterns
We have objected to a planning application for an indoor riding-arena at Rocky Lane Farm, Rotherfield Greys in South Oxfordshire. The site adjoins a public footpath. The proposed development is a massive, ugly, steel barn which would be visible from many public paths. We argue that, at over seven metres high, the building would be…
Read MoreNorthumberland County Council drops plan for Amble Braid village green
Northumberland County Council has withdrawn its plan to deregister 4,400 square metres (just over one acre) of Amble Braid village green in order to create a car-park. The society was among the objectors to the proposal which was to be determined by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment,…
Read MoreA new village green: the perfect Christmas gift for your community
We have called on landowners, particularly local councils, to consider dedicating land as a town or village green as the perfect Christmas gift to the community. Once land is registered as a green it is protected, by nineteenth-century laws, from development and local people have rights of informal recreation there. It is open to any…
Read MoreRoxlena: Long use and the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
Cumbria County Council has successfully defended in the High Court [Roxlena Ltd, R (On the Application Of) v Cumbria County Council], its decision to make a definitive map modification order (DMMO) for paths in Hayton Woods, east of Carlisle, in response to an application previously made by local people on the basis of long use…
Read MoreWe persuade Harwich developer to provide new town green
We have persuaded M Scott Properties Ltd to provide a town green, 160 square metres in extent, in exchange for part of a town green of the same area which it proposes to take for development. In July M Scott Properties applied to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for consent…
Read MoreDoors open to rescue lost commons in Cumbria and North Yorkshire
On 15 December, for the first time in 45 years, the public can win lost commons in Cumbria and North Yorkshire and gain rights to walk, and possibly ride, on them. This could lead to a significant new area of land for public enjoyment. Cumbria and North Yorkshire are to be added to the list of…
Read MoreAn alternative Christmas present
Make Christmas 2017 the year you introduce your family and friends to the Open Spaces Society by giving membership gift vouchers. The perfect present idea for walkers, riders and cyclists who enjoy the outdoors and appreciate our amazing landscapes and public paths. It starts from just £3/month or £33 for a whole year for an…
Read MoreBooks make great Christmas presents
Do you know someone who loves the outdoors, perhaps enjoys walking, riding or cycling in our countryside, on coastal paths or in urban parks or green spaces? OSS has written, curated and sponsored a range of publications on topics including a history of public paths, how to register and protect a village green and an…
Read MoreNew village green at Widmer Fields, Bucks
We are delighted that the Grange Area Trust has voluntarily registered Widmer Fields as a village green. This means that this 42-acre open space, at Hazlemere and Widmer End in Buckinghamshire, is saved for ever and local people have rights of recreation here. The Grange Area Trust has been campaigning for more than 40 years…
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