Open spaces to lose democratic protection
The government proposes to remove democratic protection from open spaces threatened with compulsory purchase. The House of Lords will debate these plans, which are in clause 22 of the Growth and Infrastructure Bill, on Monday (4 February). We are urging members of the House of Lords to oppose clause 22 because it puts open spaces…
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A battlefield at Cramber Tor – objectors warn
The Dartmoor National Park Authority will decide the future of military training at Cramber Tor, south-west Dartmoor, at its meeting on Friday (1 February). The military wants to continue using 848 hectares at Cramber Tor for ‘dry’ training, on a permanent basis. This training involves battlefield simulation exercises that include the use of pyrotechnics, blank…
Read MoreGloucestershire poultry farm threatens ancient highway
We have objected to plans for a poultry farm in open countryside at Starveall Farm, Ashchurch, near Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire. The society has sent its objection to Tewkesbury Borough Council because of the effect the development would have on an ancient public path. Says Michael Hill, a member of the society who lives nearby: ‘I…
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Can their lordships save our greens?
We have called on members of the House of Lords to support amendments to the Growth Bill which will prevent the government from emasculating the process for registering land as town or village greens. The House of Lords is set to debate these tomorrow (Wednesday 30 January). Land can be registered as a town or…
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Threat to view from South Wales beauty-spot
We have objected to a proposed wind turbine at Garth Uchaf Farm, near Pentrych, Cardiff. The wind turbine is next to Garth Hill, a registered common. This is an extensive, breezy open space, where people have the right to walk and horse-riders enjoy permissive access. It is much enjoyed by the local population and visitors.…
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We slate revived plans for wind turbine in secret Suffolk countryside
We have objected strongly to revived plans from Stamford Renewables Ltd for a wind turbine with access roads and associated works in Suffolk’s beautiful Waveney valley. The society has written to Waveney District Council urging it to refuse the application. The development, at Laurels Farm, Barsham, near Beccles, will destroy part of High Common on…
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Public rights to Henley greenspace are saved
The Secretary of State for Transport has rejected a proposal to stop up part of Bell Street, Henley-on-Thames for private parking spaces. The plan would have had an impact on the green space at the end of Bell Street. The application for closure was made by international land-agents Chesterton Commercial (Oxon) Ltd. The proposal was…
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Mendip Council rejects ‘sun farm’ in rural Somerset
Mendip District Council’s planning board yesterday roundly rejected a planning application from AEE Renewables for a solar farm close to public footpaths at Doulting, east of Shepton Mallet, in the heart of rural Somerset. The application was for 22,000 solar panels, security fencing and associated equipment on the slopes of Ingsdons Hill about a mile…
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Polo plans at Marlow put users of popular path at risk
We have objected to a planning application for polo practise at Marlow, Bucks, because it will put the users of the popular Harleyford Lane at risk. The development will require large horseboxes to travel along the lane, which is also a public byway enjoyed by a wide range of users by right. Harleyford Lane runs…
Read MoreOur dismay at approval of cycleway on Cumbrian coastal common
We are dismayed that the Planning Inspectorate has approved a plan by Cumbria County Council to construct a cycleway on registered common land at Scadbeck and Crosscanonby foreshore on the Cumbrian Coast. Although the council had planning permission it was required in addition to obtain consent for works on common land, under section 38 of…
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