‘Greenest government ever’ stamps on village greens
The self-styled ‘greenest government ever’ has passed a law which will prevent communities from claiming their local open spaces as village greens and thus saving them from development. Yesterday (25 April) the Growth and Infrastructure Act received royal assent, banning applications to register land as a green in England if it has been identified for…
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Celebrating the spirit of Kinder
On Saturday 27 April the first Spirit of Kinder Day will be held, at New Mills Town Hall in Derbyshire, from 2.30pm. The event is to celebrate the massive contribution to the access movement of the brave trespassers on Kinder Scout, on 24 April 1932. Five of the trespassers were imprisoned. The speakers at the…
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The greens law has changed
The Growth and Infrastructure Act 2013 has now received royal assent. This means that, in England, it is no longer possible to apply to register land as a village green if it has been earmarked for development. However applications which have already been submitted will be processed. Before applying to register land as a green…
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Somerset ‘sun farm’ near nursery-rhyme hill
We have joined the battle against a solar farm at Kilmersdon, near Radstock in Somerset. The Pegasus Group has recently confirmed the development boundary for the 35-acre site at New Tyning Farm, for 25 years. The development will be an eyesore in this lovely area. The site is close to Jack and Jill Hill, named…
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We call on Bristol’s Downs Committee to revoke zoo-parking licence
Today (22 April) we shall to call on Bristol’s Downs Committee to revoke the licence it granted in January for the Downs to be used as zoo parking for a further five years. We have also called for the Committee’s role to be reviewed. Our local member Julie Boston will speak about this at the…
Read MoreCrystal Palace campaigners back in court
We are delighted that the Crystal Palace Community Association (CPCA), a member of the society, is to appear in the Court of Appeal on Monday (22 April) in defence of Crystal Palace Park. The CPCA is appealing against the High Court ruling that the Bromley Council owned Crystal Palace Park can be sacrificed for commercial…
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Inspector confirms three new Public Rights of Way in Beadnell, Northumberland.
Peter Gomersall, a member of the society in Northumberland, has told us of a local success. “During the past five years, five well-used footpaths in the small coastal village of Beadnell have been blocked and fenced off. This has been done by developers attempting to build luxury holiday homes. After a vigorous campaign by local…
Read MoreIs no landscape safe? Threat of turbines in Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Community Windpower Ltd wants to erect 10 wind turbines on common land in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Lancashire. The application has been submitted to Lancaster City Council and is the company’s third attempt to put turbines on the lovely Claughton Moor and Whit Moor. We are backing Stop Claughton…
Read MoreGrowth & Infrastructure Bill update
On Tuesday 16 April the House of Commons will debate the amendments which the Lords have made to the Growth and Infrastructure Bill. There are two which concern us—and they ought to concern MPs because they were promoted by the government at a very late stage. They could have been included in the Bill from…
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Charlton Common inquiry adjourned
The public inquiry into a new access-road across Charlton Common in South Gloucestershire opened yesterday (9 April) and was immediately adjourned. The room at the BAWA Club, Filton, was overflowing with objectors from Southmead, Brentry and Henbury, who had not been consulted about the plans and who were angry at what was proposed. The inspector,…
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