Unwelcome review of process for registering new greens
We are disappointed at the tone and content of the consultation from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on the registration of new town and village greens. Read more here. Says our case officer, Nicola Hodgson: ‘The basis for the consultation, that there is an abuse of the legislation, is contrary to…
Read MoreWe slate proposed demolition of planning system
We have slated the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published for consultation yesterday (25 July) by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). Read more here. The society argues that it proposes demolition of the planning system which has served the country well for more than 60 years. Says Nicola Hodgson, our case…
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Bradwell Parish Council secures peace garden for ever
Bradwell Parish Council in Derbyshire has registered the Peace Garden as a village green. This will ensure that this small triangle in the heart of the village is safe for ever. Derbyshire County Council, the commons and greens registration authority, confirmed the registration on 10 May. The Open Spaces Society, which is the leading organisation…
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Threat to path at Plympton school
We have objected to Plymouth City Council’s proposal to close the public footpath at Ridgeway School, Geasons Lane, Plympton St Mary, Plymouth. The council has backed an application from the school’s proprietor to use the special law for closing paths across school grounds. The council claims that it is necessary to close the path to…
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We fight plan to close Weymouth park
The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has applied for planning consent for ‘temporary structures’ for viewing the sailing events during the 2012 Olympic Games at the Nothe, Weymouth in Dorset and to keep people out during the games. We have objected, arguing that the structures will be an ugly intrusion in the lovely park, and…
Read MoreCommercial development of historic Lever Park
We have objected to a planning application for a ‘Go-Ape’ development in Lever Park, Chorley. Adventure Forest Ltd has applied for retrospective consent for two landing zones. These do not comply with the planning permission the company obtained in 2008. Under the Liverpool Corporation Act 1902, the public has ‘free and uninterrupted enjoyment’ throughout the…
Read MoreCouncillors approve gating order for Hove path
We are dismayed that Brighton and Hove councillors have approved a gating order for Farman Street, Hove. The council’s ‘Environment Improvements’ officer, Simon Bannister, proposed to lock people out of the street between 9pm and 8am, claiming that the route is associated with crime and anti-social behaviour. We have said all along that the council…
Read MoreWe call for proper recognition of common land
‘It is astonishing that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) failed to mention common land in its recent White Paper, The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature. Common land uniquely provides a wealth of public benefits, for wildlife, landscape, history, archaeology and enjoyment.’ So said Paul Clayden, our vice-president, opening our…
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We fight wind turbines on Carmarthenshire commons
We have objected to an application from RES UK & Ireland Ltd to erect 21 wind turbines, with access tracks, road-widening and buildings on two prominent hills in the quiet Carmarthenshire countryside. The site is roughly ten miles south west of Lampeter. The proposal affects two areas of common land, Mynydd Llanllwni and Mynydd Llanfihangel-rhos-y-corn.…
Read MoreGo-ahead for Mumbles development on common land
Swansea Council has given outline planning permission to Amusement Equipment Co Ltd for a major development on the headland and foreshore at Mumbles. The society, the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), Martin Caton MP, and the Gower Society were among the numerous objectors whose concerns have been overruled. Says our general secretary, Kate Ashbrook: ‘The…
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