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We have objected to plans from NORFT Ltd to sacrifice Lyde Green Common near Pucklechurch, north-east of Bristol, and replace it with inferior land some distance away.
NORFT has applied to the Planning Inspectorate to deregister and exchange Lyde Green. We have objected because the proposed replacement land is of inferior quality to the common to be taken.
Says Chris Bloor, our South Gloucestershire local correspondent: ‘We are dismayed that NORFT Ltd, owner of the 20-acre Lyde Green common, proposes to deregister it. The grounds are that, allegedly, there is a health and safety risk to the commoners’ stock in view of the new development nearby, but that does not sound to us a good ground for deregistering common land.
‘Our fear is that, once deregistered, the land could be swallowed up by development.
‘In fact this common, which is surrounded by new development, will be more valuable than ever as a green space for public enjoyment and recreation. People have rights to walk and ride over the whole area, and for those who venture longer distances, the new 45-mile Community Forest Path around Bristol passes close to one end of the common.
‘The proposed replacement land is some distance away and will not serve the community who benefit from Lyde Green. The exchange land is remote and detached, and is no different from the fields which adjoin it. It is an unfair exchange.
‘We have urged the Planning Inspectorate to reject this application,’ says Chris.
The land is in Emersons Green parish and the town council has also objected.