We oppose Somerset sun-factory
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
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
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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Meopham’s ‘model’ path-campaign group
‘Meopham and District Footpaths Group is a model for local action groups throughout the country.’ So said our general secretary, Kate Ashbrook, at the Meopham Footpath Group’s fiftieth anniversary celebrations today (Saturday 18 August). ‘For the last 50 years the group has combined campaigning for its local paths with an excellent walks programme. The Open…
Read MoreOctavia – open spaces champion
Octavia Hill was an activist and committee member of the Open Spaces Society 20 years before she helped to found the National Trust. She campaigned for open spaces and public paths for the benefit of the public. We celebrated the centenary of her death on 13 April, and Radio 4 had a programme about her life.
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Active travel plans for Wales: proceed with caution
We have responded to the Welsh Government’s consultation on the Active Travel (Wales) Bill. While we welcome the focus on walking and cycling, as healthy, sustainable and enjoyable means of travel, we are worried that if the Welsh Government gives the local authorities new duties to create integrated networks for walkers and cyclists, their existing…
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Planning defeat at Crook
We are delighted that a proposed planning application affecting rights of way at Crook in County Durham has been defeated. The proposal involved the change of use of a piece of land to private gardens and the consequent extinguishment under section 247 of the Highways Act of two sections of public right of way affected…
Read MoreAncient Warwickshire landscape under threat
Developers A R Cartwright Ltd propose to build 130 houses on fields at Galley Common, south-west of Nuneaton in Warwickshire. The houses will destroy the route of the promoted Centenary Way and an ancient ridge-and-furrow landscape. We have objected to Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council. Says our local member, Mark Hood: ‘I am opposing this…
Read MoreWorks approved on Lindfield Common
The environment secretary has granted Lindfield Cricket Club consent for works on Lindfield Common, north of Haywards Heath in West Sussex. The society, with Lindfield Parish Council and some individuals, objected to the application under section 38 of the Commons Act 2006 for the extension of the cricket pavilion, two permanent cricket-nets, and other works.…
Read MoreRescue our secret paths before they are lost for ever
We have called for no implementation of the 2026 cut off for claims to add paths to the definitive map of rights of way until there is in place an efficient system for ensuring that path claims are processed swiftly, and every route which is likely to be a public highway has been claimed. We…
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