Mendip Council rejects solar farm in Somerset beauty-spot
Mendip Council has refused permission for a solar farm at Kilmersdon, near Radstock in Somerset. The Pegasus Group wanted to erect about 25,000 solar panels on 35 acres of fields at New Tyning Farm, for 25 years. We backed our member the Jack and Jill Hill Preservation Society in opposing the scheme. The society was…
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Open space at Longbenton, North Tyneside protected as village green
The Fusilier Field at Longbenton in North Tyneside has been registered as a village green, and can be enjoyed by local people for ever more. The application to register was made to North Tyneside Council by Christine Kay and Alasdair & Dorothy Wilson with support from the Fusilier Field Action Group, a member of the…
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Renewed threat to popular Marlow path
We are dismayed that Harleyford Properties Ltd has renewed its application for planning permission for polo practice at Low Grounds Farm, near Marlow in Bucks. Wycombe District Council rejected a similar application last August because it would interfere with walkers, riders and cyclists using Harleyford Lane. The lane leads from western Marlow to the River…
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South Bristol link road’s damage to commons and paths
We have objected to the proposed South Bristol Link Road, because of the damage it will cause to Highridge Common, south-west of Bristol, and to the public-path network. Our local correspondent for Bristol, Chris Bloor, has submitted a robust objection to Bristol and North Somerset Councils who are promoting the scheme. Says Chris: ‘We are…
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Our challenge to Wales’s new environmental body
We have welcomed the new environmental body, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which comes into existence today (1 April) and we have set it a number of challenges. The common land of Wales is immensely important for its natural beauty, wildlife habitats, archaeology, culture and opportunities for informal recreation. Eight per cent of Wales is common…
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Cramber Tor controversy
We have objected strongly to the application from the Ministry of Defence for the continuation of ‘dry training’ (ie not live firing) at Cramber Tor on south-west Dartmoor, for an indefinite period. We consider that the application conflicts with the statutory purposes of national parks and with the Dartmoor National Park Authority’s policies, particularly its…
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Government’s rural statement underplays vital role of paths and spaces
‘The government should invest in public paths and green spaces to achieve its aim of improving the rural economy,’ says our general secretary, Kate Ashbrook commenting on the government’s Rural Statement published today (12 September). ‘By underplaying the role of these vital assets government misses a massive trick.’ ‘There is a brief mention in the…
Read MoreMuch-loved Dorking footpath to be moved
A beautiful footpath near Dorking, in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is to be moved. The decision was made by a planning inspector, Mr Michael Aldous, following a public inquiry last July. The Open Spaces Society was represented as an objector by its local member Michèle Kohler. The footpath, number 111, ran…
Read MoreEssex rail-crossing saved for walkers, riders and cyclists
A planning inspector has ruled that Motts Lane crossing of the railway line at Witham, about 10 miles north-east of Chelmsford in Essex, must remain open. The crossing is a public bridleway for use by walkers, horse-riders and cyclists. Network Rail wanted to close the crossing on alleged grounds of safety and offered to provide…
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Active travel plans for Wales: proceed with caution
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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