New green space – but keep off the grass!
The proposed new Local Green Space designation, in the government’s draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), is a muddle. It confers no right for the public to go there, so it may be that we can only look at it and not walk on it. The society has responded to the consultation on the draft…
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The Open Spaces Society’s views on Defra’s consultation on the registration of new village greens, September 2011
We are deeply concerned about this consultation. We have asked our members for their views and are preparing a detailed response before the closing date of 17 October. In particular, our concerns are as follows. 1. A package The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) appears to be presenting a package of proposals,…
Read MoreGovernment’s ‘red-tape challenge’ focuses on environment
Please respond to the government’s red-tape challenge which, until 21 September, focuses on the environment. You can comment here . Government is consulting on the abolition of regulations which crucially affect our work on open spaces and paths, such as those relating to commons, open access, public rights of way, national parks and areas of outstanding…
Read MoreOutdoor enthusiasts tell Forestry Panel: protect access for future generations
Outdoor enthusiasts have come together to tell the Independent Forestry Panel that access must be ‘at the heart’ of England’s future forestry policy and that access must be protected and guaranteed for future generations. The Forest Access User Group, made up of 10 outdoor organizations, representing over 8 million people who regularly use woodland, have…
Read MoreWe slate proposed demolition of planning system
We have slated the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published for consultation yesterday (25 July) by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). Read more here. The society argues that it proposes demolition of the planning system which has served the country well for more than 60 years. Says Nicola Hodgson, our case…
Read MoreUnwelcome review of process for registering new greens
We are disappointed at the tone and content of the consultation from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on the registration of new town and village greens. Read more here. Says our case officer, Nicola Hodgson: ‘The basis for the consultation, that there is an abuse of the legislation, is contrary to…
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Authorising structures on rights of way
Defra published in October 2010 good practice guidance for local authorities on compliance with the Equality Act 2010 in relation to structures on rights of way. As it is no longer available on the Government’s website, we have it here: Authorising structures (gaps, gates & stiles) on rights of way The Pittecroft Trust has published…
Read MorePlans to extend the National Parks – your chance to respond
Friends of the Lake District want to make the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks bigger. Natural England is asking for your views on the proposed boundary extensions to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks now. Friends of the Lake District, the Campaign for National Parks and their key supporter group, which…
Read MoreLocalism Bill threatens open spaces
We have once again criticised the Localism Bill, the Government’s flagship measure for giving people power to run their local communities. The bill is due for a second reading in the House of Lords on Tuesday 7 June. Our case officer Nicola Hodgson, says: ‘We believe one of the bill’s most important aspects should be…
Read MoreFarming lobbyists attack greens and public paths
We have slated as ‘crude and ill-informed’ proposals for village greens and public paths in the report of the Farming Regulation Task Force (the Macdonald Report), ‘Striking a balance: reducing burdens; increasing responsibility; earning recognition’. Says our case officer, Nicola Hodgson: ‘the proposals are crude because they are the work of an obviously vested interest…
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