Fencing plan for Kingwood Common
We have objected to the proposed fencing of Kingwood Common, near Nettlebed in Oxfordshire. The society is consulted by law on all applications for works on common land, under section 38 of the Commons Act 2006. The society has written to the Planning Inspectorate to object to the plans submitted by the Nettlebed and District…
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Development which threatens ‘Poohsticks path’ should be called in
We have called on the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to call in the controversial application for a riding arena across a public footpath at Hartfield in East Sussex. The path is used by walkers heading to the famous Poohsticks Bridge in Ashdown Forest. Wealden District Council’s Planning Sub-Committee North is due…
Read MoreOxford green spaces walk on Sunday 27 June
The Oxfordshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England is organising a sponsored circular walk around Oxford’s green spaces, visiting Trap Grounds and Warneford Meadow, which have been registered as greens, and Oxpens Meadow which is pending. Details are on www.cpreoxon.org.uk
Read MoreBeauty-spot footpaths saved
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has ruled that two popular and well-used footpaths at the fifteenth-century Sudeley Castle, near Winchcombe in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, will remain public rights of way. Welcoming the decision, our local correspondent, Gerry Stewart, said, ‘We were delighted to support the many…
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We fight microlights in North Bucks countryside
We have objected to a planning application for retrospective consent to fly microlight aircraft from Bernwood Farm, Botolph Claydon, in north Buckinghamshire. Botolph Claydon and its surroundings are extremely tranquil and unspoilt, unusually so for Buckinghamshire. The microlight aircraft, which are being flown here unlawfully, without planning permission, destroy the peace of the area. In…
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Hardy heritage under threat
We have objected to a plan to move the historic footpath leading to the cottage where Thomas Hardy’s fictitious heroine, Tess of the d’Urbervilles, was born and brought up. Dorset County Council has received an application from the owner of Tess Cottage (formerly Barton Cottage) to move Marnhull footpath 25, which currently follows an historic…
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Cavendish village green in Suffolk is voted liveliest in country
TruGreen, the world’s largest professional lawn care company, together with The Sunday Telegraph, Life, has named Cavendish Village Green in Suffolk the liveliest in the country. Entrants were invited to send a picture and 50 words on why they thought their nominated village green was the liveliest in the country to the judges at TruGreen…
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Englefield Green village green is saved
We are celebrating the decision by Helen Slade of the Planning Inspectorate, on behalf of the environment secretary, to refuse consent for works on Englefield Green village green in Surrey. The land is widely used by local people, and the inspector confirmed that the public have the right to enjoy the green for air and…
Read MoreBeechcroft Manor open space saved from development
We are delighted that land at Beechcroft Manor, Weybridge in Surrey, has been saved. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government rejected the planning appeal by Linthaven Ltd, following a public inquiry last February. Linthaven appealed against Elmbridge Borough Council’s refusal to give consent for a block of three houses, with access drive…
Read MorePath claimed at Brook, Surrey
A public footpath will be added to the official map of rights of way, thanks to the efforts of our local correspondent, Ralph Holmes. Ralph, who covers Waverley Borough in Surrey claimed a footpath on the Rockwood Estate, Brook, near Witley. The path runs from near West Lodge on Haslemere Road (the A286) to Parsonage…
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