We slate new Solihull road-scheme for neglecting walkers
We have objected to Highways England’s plans for the M42 junction 6 improvement scheme in Solihull. The junction is between the M42 motorway and the A45 and it serves Birmingham International station. The society is concerned about the loss of public access on foot as a result of the scheme. The proposal is for a…
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We call for new open space designation in Wales
We have called on the Welsh Government to introduce a statutory designation for open space, to ensure that it is properly protected and can be enjoyed by local people. The society has responded to the Welsh Government consultation on changes to town and village green legislation in the Planning (Wales) Act 2015. Town and village…
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Public inquiry into common-land swap at Therfield Heath, Royston
A public inquiry is being held on Tuesday (30 January) into the exchange of common land proposed by the Conservators of Therfield Heath and Greens in Hertfordshire. We have submitted an objection. The conservators wish to swap 1.65 acres of common land off Sun Hill at Royston in Hertfordshire for the same area of woodland…
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Massive Chiltern development rejected
We are delighted that Wycombe District Council, Bucks, has rejected an application from West Waddy ADP to build up to 140 dwellings at Little Studdridge Farm, south of Stokenchurch in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The society joined many local objectors, including Stokenchurch and Ibstone Parish Councils and the Chiltern Society, in…
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The government’s 25-year plan for the environment
We are pleased that the government has at last published its 25-year plan for the environment. It has many fine ambitions, which we applaud, and now we should like to hear more about how the government intends to achieve them. And of course we are willing to help. Green spaces We particularly welcome the aims…
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Breckland councillors to determine controversial development plans at Dereham, Norfolk
On Monday (15 January) Breckland Council’s Planning Committee will determine the planning application to build 291 houses on agricultural land south of Dereham in Norfolk. There are more than 192 objectors, including the society, the Ramblers and five town and parish councils. This development on open countryside will bring no public benefit and no new…
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Manchester councillors to debate the future of Nutsford Vale
On Thursday (11 January) Manchester City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee will consider the planning application to build a school on open space at Nutsford Vale. This is a council-owned park on the borders of Longsight, Levenshulme and Gorton, in south-east Manchester. The planning application, from the council’s education department, is for a school building,…
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We fight new ‘warehouse’ structure’ in Chilterns
We have objected to a planning application for an indoor riding-arena at Rocky Lane Farm, Rotherfield Greys in South Oxfordshire. The site adjoins a public footpath. The proposed development is a massive, ugly, steel barn which would be visible from many public paths. We argue that, at over seven metres high, the building would be…
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Roxlena: Long use and the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
Cumbria County Council has successfully defended in the High Court [Roxlena Ltd, R (On the Application Of) v Cumbria County Council], its decision to make a definitive map modification order (DMMO) for paths in Hayton Woods, east of Carlisle, in response to an application previously made by local people on the basis of long use…
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We persuade Harwich developer to provide new town green
We have persuaded M Scott Properties Ltd to provide a town green, 160 square metres in extent, in exchange for part of a town green of the same area which it proposes to take for development. In July M Scott Properties applied to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for consent…
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