Latest News

Objectionable developments on Clapham Common

September 7, 2012

We have objected to plans to use part of Clapham Common, Lambeth, for filming Sky One’s ‘Got to Dance’.  The society was founded in 1865 initially to protect the London commons from development, and we consider that this current proposal needs special common-land consent as well as planning permission.  We are particularly angry that the development…

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Much-loved Dorking footpath to be moved

September 6, 2012

A beautiful footpath near Dorking, in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is to be moved. The decision was made by a planning inspector, Mr Michael Aldous, following a public inquiry last July. The Open Spaces Society was represented as an objector by its local member Michèle Kohler. The footpath, number 111, ran…

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‘No-fence’ solution for Litcham Common

September 4, 2012

We are delighted that the removal of roadside fencing across Litcham Common, seven miles north-east of Swaffham in Norfolk, has begun. With help from the Open Spaces Society, Litcham Common Management Committee persuaded Norfolk County Council to install two cattle-grids on Dunham Road, where it crosses the common boundary. This means that fencing alongside the…

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Threat to Charlton Common

September 3, 2012

Redrow Homes South West wants to build a wide access road across Charlton Common in South Gloucestershire, north of Bristol. The developers have applied to the Secretary of State for Environment for consent for works on common land, and we have objected. The plan is to realign and widen the existing access road, Charlton Lane,…

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No land swap at Mynydd Lliw Common

September 3, 2012

An application for the exchange of common land has been rejected by the Welsh Government. DKT Planning Associates applied on behalf of Mrs Elizabeth Jones and Mr Ieuan Mainwaring to swap 1,200 square metres on the north-east side of Mynydd Lliw Common, Grovesend, Swansea, which is close to residential properties for a similar-sized area some…

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Essex rail-crossing saved for walkers, riders and cyclists

September 3, 2012

A planning inspector has ruled that Motts Lane crossing of the railway line at Witham, about 10 miles north-east of Chelmsford in Essex, must remain open. The crossing is a public bridleway for use by walkers, horse-riders and cyclists. Network Rail wanted to close the crossing on alleged grounds of safety and offered to provide…

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Chippenham Mead village green saved from development

August 30, 2012

The Welsh Government has not given consent for an application from Monmouth Sports Club to erect a large covered shelter on Chippenham Mead village green, Monmouth, in connection with the sporting activities there.. The club applied to the Welsh Government for permission to construct the works on the village green having obtained planning permission. Mr…

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We oppose Somerset sun-factory

August 30, 2012

We have objected to an application from AEE Renewables for 22,000 solar panels, security fencing and associated equipment on fields in rural Somerset, close to public footpaths. In the application it is called a ‘solar farm’. The site is about a mile east of Shepton Mallet in the parish of Doulting. The planning application will…

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Win at Westfield Common, Woking

August 24, 2012

A public-inquiry inspector has thrown out plans by Woking Borough Council for a land swap at Westfield Common, Woking in Surrey.  The council wanted to build an access road across the common to the potential housing development nearby.  The proposal was rejected by inspector Mrs Helen Slade following a public inquiry last June.  This is the council’s second…

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Fencing plan rejected on Telscombe Tye Common

August 23, 2012

A public-inquiry inspector has rejected Telscombe Town Council’s application for fencing of parts of Telscombe Tye Common, north of Peacehaven in East Sussex. The inquiry was held in June this year into the council’s application, under section 38 of the Commons Act 2006, for works on common land.  The objectors included the British Horse Society. …

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