Damaging development in the heart of the Chiltern Hills
We have objected to plans from the Well Place Manor Trust to build a private equestrian development in an unspoilt valley in the heart of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site, at Skirmett in Bucks, has been the subject of many previous planning applications, most of which have been rejected by Wycombe…
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Forest of Dean Council rejects criminal sanctions on shepherds
We are delighted that Forest of Dean District Council’s has rejected the proposed measure to make so-called irresponsible shepherds into criminals. The council has decided, on the chairman’s casting vote, not to invoke its proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the village of Bream, three miles north-west of Lydney in Gloucestershire. The council wishes…
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Public invitation to view site of new paths and green in Witney, Oxfordshire
At the instigation of the Open Spaces Society, Richmond Villages have published the following advertisement in this week’s Witney Gazette inviting the public to visit its development site and see the position of two proposed new paths and a town green. PUBLIC NOTICE INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC The land between Thorney Leys and Curbridge Road is being…
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Defra’s ‘consultation’ on Natural England’s outdoor research is a sham
We have slated the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for its sham consultation into Natural England’s long-standing research on people and the natural environment. The results are published today (4 November) but Defra states that the changes have already gone ahead—before the consultation period even closed. The research, ‘Monitor of Engagement with…
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Our local correspondent takes action over fenced off Lewes Racecourse bridleway
Chris Smith, our local correspondent for Brighton and Lewes, is taking action to claim the full width of a well-used and important bridleway on the South Downs near Lewes Racecourse buildings. Chris has reported that most of the bridleway past the racecourse buildings has been fenced off since June this year and comments: “The part…
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We fight development on Leyton green space
We have objected to a planning application for sports facilities on a green space at Ive Farm, Leyton in Waltham Forest. The development includes two outdoor sports pitches, a spring track, volleyball arena, pavilion, seating, floodlighting and car parking. We that this will suburbanise land which is an extensive green space enjoyed by local people…
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Obstructing fence removed from Windsor footpath
A public footpath in Windsor has been recorded correctly on the official map and reopened to its full width after having been fenced in. The footpath runs between Priors Road and Keepers Farm Close on the west side of Windsor. The addition of the path to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) definitive…
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We help defeat land swap for Limpenhoe village green, Norfolk
We have helped prevent the swap of part of Limpenhoe village green, ten miles south-east of Norwich in Norfolk. The green is in the Broads National Park. Cantley Parish Council proposed to remove 4,970 square metres of Limpenhoe village green from the register and offer in exchange only 1,500 square metres closer to the village…
Read MoreOur new drive to rescue lost commons
We have launched a new drive to rescue common land which escaped registration 45 years ago. We are advertising for a project officer to undertake research and submit applications for commons to be added to the registers. The society was a leader in registering common land when it became possible to do so under the…
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Mary Traynor takes on South Lakeland, Cumbria
Mary Traynor is our new local correspondent for South Lakeland District in Cumbria. She lives at High Tenterfell near Kendal. Her interest in the Open Spaces Society was sparked by her concern for the local town green, Kendal Fell, which is of natural history and archaeological interest, and is used as a golf course. There…
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