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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Planning defeat at Crook
We are delighted that a proposed planning application affecting rights of way at Crook in County Durham has been defeated. The proposal involved the change of use of a piece of land to private gardens and the consequent extinguishment under section 247 of the Highways Act of two sections of public right of way affected…
Read MoreRescue our secret paths before they are lost for ever
We have called for no implementation of the 2026 cut off for claims to add paths to the definitive map of rights of way until there is in place an efficient system for ensuring that path claims are processed swiftly, and every route which is likely to be a public highway has been claimed. We…
Read MoreAncient Warwickshire landscape under threat
Developers A R Cartwright Ltd propose to build 130 houses on fields at Galley Common, south-west of Nuneaton in Warwickshire. The houses will destroy the route of the promoted Centenary Way and an ancient ridge-and-furrow landscape. We have objected to Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council. Says our local member, Mark Hood: ‘I am opposing this…
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We fight greenspace grab in Henley
We are objecting to plans by international land-agents Chesterton Commercial (Oxon) Ltd to stop up the public highway at Bell Street, Henley-on-Thames for private parking spaces. The plans will be considered at a public inquiry starting on Tuesday 7 August. The society will be represented, along with the Chiltern Society, by our local member David…
Read MoreWaltham Forest Council skimps on path width
We have criticised Waltham Forest Council for failing to show the full width of a public path in an order to add the route to the definitive map of public rights of way. We believe that the applicant for the path produced evidence to show that the full width should be shown on the official…
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We oppose land swap in Rhondda village
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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Update on development next to Ibstone Common
We are delighted to report that on 6 June 2012, Wycombe District Council rejected this application because the development would cause adverse visual detriment to the special landscape character and scenic beauty of the Chilterns AONB and would harm the rural character and appearance of the surrounding open countryside, and the access track would visually…
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Victory on West Hoathly footpath
A valued public footpath at West Hoathly, near East Grinstead in West Sussex, has been saved from diversion following a public inquiry last April. Paul Brown and West Hoathly Parish Council, both members of the Open Spaces Society, appeared at the inquiry as objectors. The public-inquiry inspector, Mr Michael Aldous of the Planning Inspectorate, refused…
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Community champion praised for inspirational efforts
The singular determination of a Yorkshire woman to inspire her local community and return a memorial garden to its former glory has been celebrated in the inaugural Open Space Award. Judges have awarded Jade Smith a commendation for her extraordinary contribution to Royd Regeneration, a community-driven project in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire. Royd Regeneration was one…
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