A blight on Hackney Marshes
We have objected to plans from the London Borough of Hackney to develop part of Hackney Marshes (East) for a car park and (North) for a pavilion with car park. We are backing our member the Hackney Marshes User Group which has for some time been protesting about the proposals. The marshes are registered common land and…
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Gordon Garland, 1921-2013
Gordon Eric Garland, who died last year aged 91, was a long-standing member of the society and an effective, enthusiastic, campaigner for paths and open spaces. Gordon spent his 91 years in Hollingbury Park Avenue, Brighton. He is remembered for his tremendous, generosity and support; someone who unselfishly and tirelessly devoted his time, influence, and…
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Government boosts coastal access and parks
We are delighted at the announcement by Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, that the government will put more money into providing access around England’s coast and into producing online maps of publicly-accessible green space. Speaking at the Royal Society for Protection of Birds’ State of Nature conference, Mr Clegg said that the government would…
Read MoreSaltney Ferry open space saved
The North Street Football Pitch at Saltney Ferry, Flintshire, has been saved as an open space for ever more. The space has been protected under the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge, by Fields in Trust. The Open Spaces Society objected to a planning application to develop the site and is delighted that it is now…
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We slate Lancashire County Council for path-closure plans
We are dismayed that Lancashire County Council proposes to close three footpaths which cross land at Helmshore Primary School, Haslingden, having failed last year to move them out of the way. The paths cross the field in the form of a triangle. The council claims the cross-field paths are a risk to security, yet it…
Read MoreWe fight proposed wind turbine in Herefordshire
We have objected to an application for a wind turbine, access track, hard-standing, substation and temporary construction-compound in rural Herefordshire. The planning application has been submitted by g2 Energy Renewable Developments Ltd for a 77-metre-high turbine at Halfridge Farm, Pippins Hill, Acton Beauchamp. Our local correspondent, Peter Newman, has written to Herefordshire Council, the planning…
Read MoreDefeat of Somerset solar farm
We are delighted that a planning inspector has rejected plans for a solar farm. The development was proposed by MS Power Projects Ltd at Ritherdens, Rumwell, on three fields about a kilometre west of Taunton in Somerset. Taunton Deane Borough Council’s planning committee overturned the officer’s recommendation and refused planning permission, but the developers appealed…
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Delight that Dartmoor eyesores have gone
Five kilometres of ugly poles and power-lines on Walkhampton Common, south-west Dartmoor, have been removed. Because the land is common, Western Power Distribution obtained consent last year under section 38 of the Commons Act 2006 for the works. We supported the application. The beautiful open landscape of Walkhampton Common in the Dartmoor National Park has…
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John Riddall—a lawyer for the people
We are sad that John Riddall, who lived in Bradwell in the Derbyshire Peak District, has died aged 86. He had been our vice-president since 2003 and was a trustee (1987–1993) and our local correspondent for the Derbyshire Dales district (1986-1994). With John Trevelyan he was co-author of the second, third and fourth editions of…
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Private-parking plan rejected on Surrey common
The Planning Inspectorate has rejected plans by the Shere Manor Estate to create parking spaces on Hurtwood Common near Holmbury St Mary in Surrey. This was to be in connection with the housing development proposed for the former Hollybush Tavern. The development had been granted planning permission in January 2013 but, because the works were…
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