Latest News

We call on Bristol councillors to end zoo parking on the Downs

July 22, 2013

We have called on Bristol’s councillors to refuse the zoo’s latest planning application to park on the Downs. This is to be considered by a planning committee on Wednesday, 24 July. ‘There is no justification for this. The zoo points out that it is a charity, but this does not mean it can ignore planning…

Read More

We join fight against yet another Somerset solar-farm

July 2, 2013

We have objected to a planning application for a massive solar-installation close to Frome in the Somerset countryside.  This follows our objections to similar schemes at Doulting and Kilmersdon, Somerset, earlier this year.  We don’t object to all such developments but we do so when they adversely affect public access to, and enjoyment of, an…

Read More

Tannen Land, Strete, is now a green

June 12, 2013

We are delighted that our member Richard Hacon and other local people have succeeded in registering Tannen Land, at Strete in south Devon, as a village green. Devon County Council approved the registration of the two-acre site last month. With advice from the society, Richard obtained evidence of use from local people and submitted this…

Read More

Fight to save Cornish rail-crossing

April 30, 2013

We have joined the campaign to save the Mexico Inn rail crossing, at Long Rock near Penzance in Cornwall, from closure.  The pedestrian crossing provides an important short-cut for walkers.  If it is closed the alternative route is nearly a kilometre long. Cornwall Council and Network Rail want to close the crossing on alleged safety…

Read More

Somerset ‘sun farm’ near nursery-rhyme hill

April 24, 2013

We have joined the battle against a solar farm at Kilmersdon, near Radstock in Somerset. The Pegasus Group has recently confirmed the development boundary for the 35-acre site at New Tyning Farm, for 25 years. The development will be an eyesore in this lovely area. The site is close to Jack and Jill Hill, named…

Read More

We call on Bristol’s Downs Committee to revoke zoo-parking licence

April 22, 2013

Today (22 April) we shall to call on Bristol’s Downs Committee to revoke the licence it granted in January for the Downs to be used as zoo parking for a further five years. We have also called for the Committee’s role to be reviewed. Our local member Julie Boston will speak about this at the…

Read More

Charlton Common inquiry adjourned

April 8, 2013

The public inquiry into a new access-road across Charlton Common in South Gloucestershire opened yesterday (9 April) and was immediately adjourned. The room at the BAWA Club, Filton, was overflowing with objectors from Southmead, Brentry and Henbury, who had not been consulted about the plans and who were angry at what was proposed. The inspector,…

Read More

Green status won for Launceston open space

March 29, 2013

A threatened open space adjoining Woburn Road, on the south side of Launceston, Cornwall, has been registered as a village green, following a public inquiry last February.  The application was made by Mr Philip Wagstaff on behalf of the Woburn Residents’ Association.  We helped the association with its claim and are delighted with the result.…

Read More

Footpaths at Cleeve, North Somerset, saved from alteration

March 4, 2013

Cleeve Parish Council, a member of the Open Spaces Society, and our local correspondent for North Somerset, John Ives, have succeeded in getting an Inspector to reject a proposal to move several footpaths at Main Road, Cleeve, two miles north-east of Congresbury. Originally the highway authority, North Somerset District Council, sought to overcome a longstanding…

Read More

Common land reclaimed at Zennor, Cornwall

February 10, 2013

Carn Galva Common, west of Zennor in west Cornwall, has been reclaimed as registered common land, using legislation which is being pioneered in Cornwall (part 1 of the Commons Act 2006). Following a public inquiry last month, planning inspector Mrs Helen Slade ruled that the land should be recorded on the commons register. Carn Galva Common…

Read More