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We are relieved that Chorleywood Parish Council has withdrawn its application for fencing on the lovely Chorleywood Common in Hertfordshire.
‘Inviting’ Chorleywood Common
The council had applied to the Secretary of State for Environment for consent, under section 38 of the Commons Act 2006, to erect 1,152 metres of permanent fencing and 352 metres of temporary fencing, enclosing 7.5 hectares on Larks Meadow adjoining Dog Kennel Lane. The council said it needed the fencing to enable the land to be grazed by cattle to increase the diversity of the flora and fauna. However, the council went ahead and erected some of the fencing before it sought consent.
We were among the many objectors to the plan.
Chorleywood Common with temporary fencing
Says Chris Beney, our Hertfordshire correspondent: ‘We are relieved that Chorleywood Parish Council has seen sense and withdrawn the application. The common is much more inviting now that much of the unlawful fencing has been removed.
‘We objected because the fencing would be an eyesore and a severe impediment to people exercising their rights to enjoy the common on foot and horseback. Larks Meadow is really good recreational land and its use for grazing would conflict with people’s enjoyment of it. Not surprisingly, many horse-riders objected too.
‘Now that the council has withdrawn the application it has cleared the air. We are willing to discuss with the council the options for managing the common in the interests of all,’ Chris concludes.