Threat to Leicestershire common
We have objected to a proposed development which would encroach on common land at Great Bowden, one mile north of Market Harborough in Leicestershire. The proposed development, by Mulberry Land Planning and Developments Ltd, is for housing on land at Fernie Hunt Stables, Nether Green, Great Bowden. One of the proposed gardens is on registered…
Read MoreConsent for private works on Pembrokeshire common
The Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development has approved an application for an extension to a property on common land in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The society objected to the application for works on Cyffredin Common, under section 194 of the Law of Property Act 1925, from Mr G Price of New House, Cyffredin,…
Read MoreOpen Spaces Society congratulates ‘pioneering’ commoners’ council
‘The Dartmoor Commoners’ Council has been a pioneer for commons management.’ So says Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society on the 25th anniversary of the first meeting of the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council on 18 August 1986. The council was set up following implementation of the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 which, uniquely, also…
Read MoreGo-ahead for works on Layters Green Common
The environment secretary has given the go-ahead to Yeoman Homes Limited for works on Layters Green Common, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks. The consent is for two temporary trenches for the replacement of mains water and mains electricity, and installation of mains drainage and gas in connection with development of an adjoining property. The society, Chalfont…
Read MoreRus in urbe—come to our open day!
The Open Spaces Society is holding an open day on Saturday 3 September, to explore some of the exquisite countryside around Harrow-on-the-Hill. Our members, the feisty Northwick Park Group, are hosting us at St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, 214 Carlton Avenue West, Wembley HA0 3QY, from 11.30am. In the morning there will be talks about the…
Read MoreOutdoor enthusiasts tell Forestry Panel: protect access for future generations
Outdoor enthusiasts have come together to tell the Independent Forestry Panel that access must be ‘at the heart’ of England’s future forestry policy and that access must be protected and guaranteed for future generations. The Forest Access User Group, made up of 10 outdoor organizations, representing over 8 million people who regularly use woodland, have…
Read MoreCumbrian activists threaten court action over blocked bridleway
As a last resort, the Redspearlands Footpath Group, a member of the Open Spaces Society, has served a notice on Cumbria County Council to open up the illegally blocked bridleway at Roewath Bridge at Stockdalewath, near Dalston, Carlisle. The path, which was first recorded as a right of way in 1950, has been illegally blocked…
Read MoreMirfield path reopened
John Fawcett, our local correspondent for Kirklees, has persuaded Kirklees Council to reopen a blocked footpath, Mirfield no 21. This is a popular, well-used path between Greenside Road and Wellhouse Lane in Mirfield, north-east of Huddersfield. The path was obstructed by an overhanging fence which made it difficult and dangerous to use. John had pressed…
Read MoreUnwelcome review of process for registering new greens
We are disappointed at the tone and content of the consultation from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on the registration of new town and village greens. Read more here. Says our case officer, Nicola Hodgson: ‘The basis for the consultation, that there is an abuse of the legislation, is contrary to…
Read MoreWe slate proposed demolition of planning system
We have slated the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published for consultation yesterday (25 July) by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). Read more here. The society argues that it proposes demolition of the planning system which has served the country well for more than 60 years. Says Nicola Hodgson, our case…
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