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The society welcomes the publication today of Land for the Many, a report commissioned by the Labour Party. The party will consider the proposals as part of its policy development ahead of the next general election. The report places land at the heart of political debate and discussion, and it proposes significant changes to land ownership and use, and to the public’s rights there.
We are delighted that the report recognises the need to extend the public’s rights to enjoy land and water. It proposes to repeal the 2026 cut-off date for the recording of historic rights of way which is excellent. It calls for a halt to and reversal of the privatisation of urban space, and advocates that open spaces should be required in all new developments.
It deplores the past enclosure of the commons and recognises our role, as the Commons Preservation Society, in halting it—although we all know that such enclosure continues today albeit more insidiously.
The society hopes that this report will generate a renewed discussion about the future use of land and of the public’s rights and ability to enjoy it. We are eager to continue to be a part of this debate and to offer our long, 154-year, experience to help achieve a better deal for all.