Latest News

We call for full reinstatement of Battersea Park after Formula E motor race

November 23, 2016

We have called on Wandsworth Council to ensure that Battersea Park is fully reinstated following the Formula E motor race in July.  The society is backing the Battersea Park Action Group and others in objecting to Formula E’s planning application which fails to achieve full restoration of the park. The application is intended to confirm…

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We fight development on Leyton green space

November 1, 2016

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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Dismay at development on Clapham Common

August 8, 2016

We are dismayed that the Secretary of State for Environment has given consent for a refurbished sports zone on Clapham Common. The applicant was Lambeth Council and the works comprise resurfaced courts, three-metre high fencing, floodlight columns and bicycle racks, benches and litterbins. Says Jeremy Clyne, our local correspondent for the London Borough of Lambeth:…

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We fight increase in parking on Hackney’s common land

July 25, 2016

The London Borough of Hackney is recommending that its Planning Sub-Committee approve the council’s plans to relax the conditions for parking on Hackney’s North Marsh.  The committee meets next Wednesday (27 July). We objected in 2014 to an application from the council to build a pavilion and associated car park here, on registered common land,…

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Threat to Clerkenwell Green, Islington

June 7, 2016

We have objected to Islington Council’s plans to mutilate Clerkenwell Green, by replacing the historic, underground, public conveniences with a café. The open space has traditionally been used for public assemblies.  The toilets, designed by George Jennings, are of considerable historic interest. The Open Spaces Society was founded 151 years ago initially to fight for…

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Battersea Park rescued from permanent motor-race circuit

May 25, 2016

We are delighted that the Formula E motor-race championship, which was approved by Wandsworth Council and set to continue every year in Battersea Park, will now only take place in 2016 with full reinstatement afterwards. James Jackson, whose judicial review of Wandsworth’s decision was due to be heard in court this week, has reached an…

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We fight plan to seize part of Haven Green common

May 5, 2016

We have objected to plans by Ealing Council to deregister part of Haven Green common. The council wants to legitimise a cycle hub which was constructed unlawfully on the common in 2012.  This did not receive the necessary ministerial consent for works on common land before it was installed. We argue that the council should…

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Help save Battersea Park from damaging motor-race

March 23, 2016

The Battersea Park Action Group is striving to save Battersea Park from three weeks of closure this summer for the Formula E car-racing series, with its associated noise and damage to this peaceful, Victorian, grade II*-listed park. The campaigners are seeking pledges for funding to support their legal challenge against Wandsworth Council which has granted…

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Battersea Park condemned to become motor racetrack for Formula E

February 29, 2016

We are dismayed that Wandsworth Council has granted planning permission for the construction of a ‘temporary’ motor-racing circuit, fencing, safety barriers and numerous other structures related to hospitality and broadcasting, for the proposed Formula E championship in July.  The event was staged for the first time last year. The society, Save Battersea Park, the London…

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We slate boozy event on Acton Green common

February 23, 2016

We have objected to an application from Carsten Raun to hold a German beer-festival on Acton Green common, Ealing, for five days this August.  Ealing Council has written to local residents to say that it intends to allow this. We argue that the Oktoberfest is unlawful under the Greater London Parks and Open Spaces Order…

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