People vote for village greens with their feet
We have countered the government’s claim that applications to register land as a town or village green can undermine the democratically-accountable planning process, by pointing out that people vote for greens with their feet. We have sent a briefing to MPs before the report-stage debate on the government’s Growth and Infrastructure Bill on Monday (17…
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Open space commendation goes to Calderdale’s inspiring individual
We have given a special, individual commendation to Jade Smith of Mytholmroyd, Calderdale, for her work on the restoration and improvement of Mytholmroyd’s Memorial Garden. The award was presented on Saturday 1 December as part of Upper Calder Valley’s annual ‘Valley of Lights’ celebration. Jean Macdonald, our vice-chairman, said: ‘We introduced this award last year…
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Parish opposition to Somerset sun-factory
Doulting Parish Council has voted to object to an application from AEE Renewables for a solar farm close to public footpaths in the heart of rural Somerset. We submitted our objection in August. The application is for 22,000 solar panels, security fencing and associated equipment on the slopes of Ingsdons Hill about a mile east…
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Call for open space champions
We have launched our 2013 Open Space Award and are calling for nominations for open space champions. We want to encourage nominations for projects which support our aims to protect, increase, enhance and champion common land, town and village greens, open spaces and public rights of way in England and Wales, and the public’s right…
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Government failing in ambition to be ‘greenest ever’
The Coalition Government is failing on its own commitments to Britain’s natural environment: that’s the public’s view from a survey organised by Wildlife and Countryside Link (Link), a coalition of 39 leading environmental charities. Of those surveyed, less than a quarter (23%) think the Government is doing enough to protect our landscapes and wildlife—on land…
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Herne Bay Downs set to become a village green
The Downs at Herne Bay in Kent are set to be registered as a village green. An inspector, appointed by Kent County Council, has recommended to the council that the land be registered. The application was made by Phil Rose of the Friends of the Downs in September 2009. Because the landowner, Canterbury City Council,…
Read MorePopular Plympton path to be closed
We are dismayed that Plympton St Mary footpath 2, which runs through the grounds of the Ridgeway School, is to be closed. A public inquiry into the closure was held last month and the inspector, Mr Paul Dignan, ruled in favour of Plymouth City Council which wanted to close the path. The school and the…
Read MoreWe help to save Somerset paths
We have helped save two public footpaths at Oake Manor golf course, near Taunton in Somerset, from being moved to inferior routes. Our local correspondent Paul Partington was among the objectors at a hearing last month. The inspector’s decision, refusing the path changes, was issued last week. The existing routes run from Oake Manor in…
Read MoreDismay at threat to mid-Wales beauty spot
We are dismayed that parts of the beautiful Eppynt Commons in Powys are advertised for sale ‘with some potential for wind-farm development’. The commons form part of an extensive ridge of high ground to the north of the Brecon Beacons National Park, south of Builth Wells. More than 2,500 acres, comprising four commons with over…
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Government’s plans for village greens a kick in the teeth for localism
We have slated the government’s plans for town and village greens in the Growth and Infrastructure Bill as ‘a kick in the teeth for localism’. We are calling on Members of Parliament to speak against clause 13 of the Growth and Infrastructure Bill which is due for second reading in the House of Commons soon.…
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