Protests over abuse of Clapham Common
Our local correspondent Jeremy Clyne has written to Lambeth Council to protest against the exploitation of open space in the borough, and the damage caused. The situation has become so critical that local people are saying the flagship Clapham Common might be better renamed ‘Clapham Commercial’. A large swathe of the common is still fenced…
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Delight at withdrawal of ‘Zipper-mere’ plan
We are highly relieved that Treetop Trek has withdrawn its planning application for a massive zip-wire development across Thirlmere, in the heart of the Lake District National Park. The proposals included eight cables stretching across the lake, with take-off and landing points, gantries, more car-parking provision and buildings. Treetop Trek claims it has withdrawn the…
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A celebration at Wittersham, Kent
Twenty-five years ago our member Mavis King succeeded in getting Poplar Farm field and pond, at Wittersham in Kent, registered as a village green, VG235. The 1.5-acre site was threatened with developers and, with our help, Mavis saved it. On 16 November 2017 Mavis unveiled a plaque, which was fixed to a three-ton boulder of…
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We call for new open space designation in Wales
We have called on the Welsh Government to introduce a statutory designation for open space, to ensure that it is properly protected and can be enjoyed by local people. The society has responded to the Welsh Government consultation on changes to town and village green legislation in the Planning (Wales) Act 2015. Town and village…
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Lake District zip-wire approval causes dismay
We are dismayed that the Lake District National Park Authority’s Development Control Committee has approved the Honister zip-wire. The application was made by the Honister Slate Mine for an aerial zip-wire and other structures over the Honister Pass in the Lake District National Park The committee overturned the recommendation for refusal from national park planning…
Read MoreBattle of Knutsford Heath
A new ‘Battle of Knutsford Heath’ is brewing in Cheshire East. TV chef Tom Kerridge plans to present ‘Pub in the Park’ on Knutsford Heath, which is protected common land, from 7 to 9 September 2018. We are calling for Knutsford Heath instead to be kept open to the public for quiet recreation. The society…
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Public inquiry into common-land swap at Therfield Heath, Royston
A public inquiry is being held on Tuesday (30 January) into the exchange of common land proposed by the Conservators of Therfield Heath and Greens in Hertfordshire. We have submitted an objection. The conservators wish to swap 1.65 acres of common land off Sun Hill at Royston in Hertfordshire for the same area of woodland…
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We challenge British Car Auctions’ use of Yateley Common, Hampshire
British Car Auctions (BCA), which occupies part of the former Blackbushe Airport on Yateley Common in Hampshire, has withdrawn its application to the environment secretary for consent for works on the common. The application was made under section 38 of the Commons Act 2006. We had objected to the application. We were concerned that the…
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Massive Chiltern development rejected
We are delighted that Wycombe District Council, Bucks, has rejected an application from West Waddy ADP to build up to 140 dwellings at Little Studdridge Farm, south of Stokenchurch in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The society joined many local objectors, including Stokenchurch and Ibstone Parish Councils and the Chiltern Society, in…
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Environment charities welcome 25 Year Environment Plan, but Environment Act needs to secure its success
The Open Spaces Society has joined other organisations represented by Wildlife & Countryside Link in welcoming the Prime Minister’s commitments on the environment and the UK Government’s long awaited 25 Year Environment Plan which is launched today. The plan covers England and the UK’s international environmental commitments. The environment and animal welfare organisations support the…
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