Latest News

Don’t trash Swansea’s Kilvey Hill 

March 3, 2025

We have condemned Swansea planners’ recommendation to approve the Skyline’s development on Kilvey Hill. On Tuesday (4 March) the planning committee will decide the fate of this unique area.  The development would comprise, among other structures, gondola stations and chairlift infrastructure for 22 cable cars, a restaurant and bar, a vast area of high-speed luge…

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Mega-development on Kilvey Hill, Swansea, would cut a hole in a Persian carpet

October 23, 2024

We have objected strongly to the amended planning application from Swansea Skyline to convert Kilvey Hill, east of Swansea, into a commercial tourist-site.  The society considers the hill to be a much-loved local gem, which should not be sacrificed for mega-tourism. The proposed development would comprise, among other structures, gondola stations and chairlift infrastructure for…

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We fight Clyne Common swap at public inquiry 

August 5, 2024

We object to the proposed, unfair land swap on Clyne Common, Swansea, and will give evidence to a public inquiry which opens on Tuesday (6 August)[1]. The society joins the Gower Society and many other objectors in arguing that the Duke of Beaufort’s Somerset Trust land to be taken for housing is far superior to…

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Don’t kill Kilvey Hill 

March 26, 2024

This was our message to Swansea Council at a rally on Sunday (24 March).  Kate Ashbrook, our general secretary, joined more than 300 local people on top of Kilvey Hill, north-east of Swansea at a rally against plans by Skyline Swansea Ltd for a vast tourist development, which includes a restaurant and visitor centre, skyswing,…

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The disposal of open space on Swansea’s Kilvey Hill

February 19, 2024

Swansea Council advertised notice of disposal of open space on Kilvey Hill, under section 123(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972, in anticipation of the council granting planning permission for the massive Skyline leisure development on the hill.  The Open Spaces Society was among many objectors, arguing that the disposal was contrary to the council’s…

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Degradation of Picket Mead common, Swansea

December 21, 2023

We have deplored the decision to allow a new access-track across the lovely, one-hectare, Picket Mead common, at Newton, west of Swansea.  The application, which also includes the laying of underground services, was made by Carrington Moore Estates Ltd, to provide access to a new development adjoining the common.  Because it comprises works on common…

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A plum common

June 16, 2023

A fascinating common in Pembrokeshire is now receiving the care and attention it deserves. Plumstone Rock is the most prominent feature of the 145-hectare Plumstone Mountain common including the adjoining Dudwell Mountain, 1.5 kilometres south of Hayscastle Cross in Pembrokeshire. The outcrop commands fine views, from the Preseli Mountains to the Bristol Channel. The land…

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Kilvey Hill, Swansea, must not be sacrificed for a vanity project 

February 2, 2023

February 2024 update: The council has rebutted the Open Spaces Society following our objection to the disposal of space on Kilvey Hill. Read their statement and our responses here.  We have objected strongly to a planning application from Swansea Skyline to convert Kilvey Hill, east of Swansea, into a massive tourism site. The society argues…

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Common land saved at Bracelet Bay beauty-spot, Swansea

July 19, 2022

We are pleased that Swansea City and County Council has withdrawn its application to deregister [1] common land at Tutts Head, Bracelet Bay, Mumbles.  This is a popular beauty-spot, and deregistration would have made the land vulnerable to development. The council had applied to itself to deregister the land on the basis that the land…

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