Path fighters reopen way to hills
We are celebrating the newly-reopened path which leads from Cwmparc, Treorchy, in Rhondda Cynon Taf to the hills above. The popular public highway was illegally obstructed by locked gates, two metres high, in February. The community, with the society’s support, has campaigned vigorously ever since, naming their crusade ‘Gate-gate’. On Friday 13 June, the landowners…
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Public-path guillotine set for repeal in Wales
We are delighted that the Welsh Government will introduce provisions before the Senedd to repeal the 2026 cut-off date for public rights of way. Speaking in the Senedd on 3 March [1], Julie James, Counsel General and Minister for Delivery, said that the Government would bring forward amendments to the Legislation (Procedure, Publication and Repeals) (Wales)…
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Don’t trash Swansea’s Kilvey Hill
We have condemned Swansea planners’ recommendation to approve the Skyline’s development on Kilvey Hill. On Tuesday (4 March) the planning committee will decide the fate of this unique area. The development would comprise, among other structures, gondola stations and chairlift infrastructure for 22 cable cars, a restaurant and bar, a vast area of high-speed luge…
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Bring on Wales’s new national park
We strongly support the new national park in north-east Wales. The society believes that the national park designation will benefit the splendid, varied landscape of this region, its wildlife and culture, and will help to promote responsible public access and enjoyment. However, it has also called for the Welsh government to make sufficient funds available…
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Mega-development on Kilvey Hill, Swansea, would cut a hole in a Persian carpet
We have objected strongly to the amended planning application from Swansea Skyline to convert Kilvey Hill, east of Swansea, into a commercial tourist-site. The society considers the hill to be a much-loved local gem, which should not be sacrificed for mega-tourism. The proposed development would comprise, among other structures, gondola stations and chairlift infrastructure for…
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We fight Clyne Common swap at public inquiry
We object to the proposed, unfair land swap on Clyne Common, Swansea, and will give evidence to a public inquiry which opens on Tuesday (6 August)[1]. The society joins the Gower Society and many other objectors in arguing that the Duke of Beaufort’s Somerset Trust land to be taken for housing is far superior to…
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The disposal of open space on Swansea’s Kilvey Hill
Swansea Council advertised notice of disposal of open space on Kilvey Hill, under section 123(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972, in anticipation of the council granting planning permission for the massive Skyline leisure development on the hill. The Open Spaces Society was among many objectors, arguing that the disposal was contrary to the council’s…
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New watchdog in Ceredigion
We have appointed Richard Price as our local correspondent for west Ceredigion. Richard will be the society’s eyes and ears here, keeping a close watch on paths, commons, greens, and open spaces. He shares the county with Gerald Davies who covers east Ceredigion. Richard’s background is in financial services, having been an independent financial adviser…
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Degradation of Picket Mead common, Swansea
We have deplored the decision to allow a new access-track across the lovely, one-hectare, Picket Mead common, at Newton, west of Swansea. The application, which also includes the laying of underground services, was made by Carrington Moore Estates Ltd, to provide access to a new development adjoining the common. Because it comprises works on common…
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Celebrating the Gower Society’s 75th anniversary
‘The Gower Society is a model for local campaigning.’ So said our general secretary, Kate Ashbrook, in a talk to celebrate the Gower Society’s 75th anniversary this year. On its inception in 1948 the Gower Society joined the Open Spaces and they have shared similar aims of protecting common land, open spaces, and paths ever…
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