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Sun Hill, Royston – photo: Don Shewan
We have objected to the renewal of a planning application affecting common land in Hertfordshire. The Conservators of Therfield Heath and Greens, at Royston in Hertfordshire, have applied for the renewal of outline planning permission for eight dwellings on land at Sun Hill. This is registered common land and the conservators have already applied to de-register the 1.65-acre common and exchange it for woodland which is over a mile away.
The society, Natural England, and many others opposed this common-land swap because the exchange land is inferior and much further from the town. This was considered at a public inquiry in January and the outcome is awaited.
The society has objected to the renewal of planning permission because it considers that the common, which is close to the town, is important to local people and should be preserved.
Says Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society: ‘Sun Hill common is right on Royston’s doorstep, and is important to local people for informal recreation. We are anxious to save it for continued public enjoyment.’