Latest News

Threat to Hereford open space

November 5, 2012

We have objected to Hereford Council’s plan to dispose of a valued open space at Goodrich Grove, Hereford. The space is the former Vortex site and is much used and enjoyed by local people. The council has advertised its plans to appropriate and dispose of the open space, and objections must be submitted to the…

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Unlawful fence across Brecon Beacons—gone at last

October 29, 2012

The Open Spaces Society, Ramblers Cymru and other organisations are delighted that a four-and-a-half-mile fence, the ‘Gap Road’ fence, across the fine open landscape of the Brecon Beacons National Park, has been removed after a six-year campaign. The fence, which crossed common land, was unlawful because it did not have the Welsh Government’s consent.  It…

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Brutal turbines of Mynydd y Gwair common

October 1, 2012

We have objected strongly to a planning application from RWE npower to site 16 wind turbines, with tracks and infrastructure, on Mynydd y Gwair common, a majestic hillside eight miles north of Swansea. There have been a number of turbine applications here in the past to which the society has objected. This is registered common…

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Go-ahead for development beside Swansea common

September 11, 2012

We are disappointed that Carrington Moore Estates, in which the former Welsh rugby captain Andy Moore has an interest, has obtained planning consent for development adjoining Picket Mead Common at Newton, Swansea. The battle has raged over many years, but finally Carrington won its appeal to Welsh Ministers against Swansea Council’s refusal of planning consent. The…

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No land swap at Mynydd Lliw Common

September 3, 2012

An application for the exchange of common land has been rejected by the Welsh Government. DKT Planning Associates applied on behalf of Mrs Elizabeth Jones and Mr Ieuan Mainwaring to swap 1,200 square metres on the north-east side of Mynydd Lliw Common, Grovesend, Swansea, which is close to residential properties for a similar-sized area some…

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Chippenham Mead village green saved from development

August 30, 2012

The Welsh Government has not given consent for an application from Monmouth Sports Club to erect a large covered shelter on Chippenham Mead village green, Monmouth, in connection with the sporting activities there.. The club applied to the Welsh Government for permission to construct the works on the village green having obtained planning permission. Mr…

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Active travel plans for Wales: proceed with caution

August 14, 2012

We have responded to the Welsh Government’s consultation on the Active Travel (Wales) Bill. While we welcome the focus on walking and cycling, as healthy, sustainable and enjoyable means of travel, we are worried that if the Welsh Government gives the local authorities new duties to create integrated networks for walkers and cyclists, their existing…

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We oppose land swap in Rhondda village

July 30, 2012

We have objected to plans to swap part of the village green, at Chapel Street, Blaencwm, to allow development. Glaister Russell Developments Ltd has applied to the Environment Minister for permission to deregister 238 square metres of the green and to provide land in exchange, under section 16 of the Commons Act 2006. Says Jay…

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The fight for Flintshire open space

July 19, 2012

We have opposed plans to use part of an open space, at Bradshaw Avenue, Saltney Ferry, for a replacement scout hut and associated works with fencing. The society has objected to Flintshire County Council, the planning authority. This proposal would reduce the informal playing area on this open space by 60 per cent, and the…

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Turbines could trash Powys common

June 22, 2012

We have objected to an application from RWE Npower Renewables Ltd for nine wind turbines at Neuadd-goch Bank near Dolfor, Newtown in Powys. The society is particularly concerned that four of the wind turbines would be sited on registered common land, Cwmgwyn and Medwalleth Commons. We are dismayed that the applicants refer to the ‘minor…

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