Latest News

Threat to view from South Wales beauty-spot

January 28, 2013

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

January 20, 2013

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

January 10, 2013

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

January 10, 2013

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

January 9, 2013

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…

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Our dismay at approval of cycleway on Cumbrian coastal common

January 2, 2013

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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Development proposed on Llanberis common

January 2, 2013

We have joined the protestors again a proposed pump-storage power-station at Glynrhonwy quarries above Llanberis, Gwynedd, because the works will encroach on common land and be an eyesore in a popular area on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park. We have put in an objection to Gwynedd County Council and called on the council…

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Two new volunteers for the society

January 2, 2013

We have appointed two new local correspondents: Brian Cowling for Bedford Borough, and Chris Smith for Lewes District in East Sussex and Brighton & Hove City. Brian worked as a rights-of-way officer for Bedfordshire County Council and then Bedford Borough Council when it became a unitary authority.  He enjoys walking, backpacking in the UK, reading,…

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What future for Helredale’s open space?

January 1, 2013

The future of the playing field at Helredale, Whitby, North Yorkshire, is in the balance.  Following a disappointing ruling in the court of appeal in October, Helredale Neighbourhood Council (HNC) is hoping to obtain permission to appeal to the supreme court. Read more about it here.

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Delight at rejection of horse complex in Chiltern valley

December 29, 2012

We are delighted that Wycombe District Council has refused an application for a private equestrian-development in the lovely Skirmett valley, in the heart of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Buckinghamshire. The plan was to demolish the buildings at Stud Farm (now pointlessly renamed Valentine Farm) and replace them with an equestrian complex…

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