Consent for private works on Pembrokeshire common
The Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development has approved an application for an extension to a property on common land in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The society objected to the application for works on Cyffredin Common, under section 194 of the Law of Property Act 1925, from Mr G Price of New House, Cyffredin,…
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We fight wind turbines in the beautiful Waveney Valley
We have objected to the appeal, by Stamford Renewables Ltd, against Waveney District Council’s refusal of planning permission for wind turbines and associated paraphernalia at Laurels Farm, Barsham, near Beccles in Suffolk. The society has argued that the development would result in the widening and destruction of the ancient Clarke’s Lane which follows a narrow,…
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Open Spaces Society congratulates ‘pioneering’ commoners’ council
‘The Dartmoor Commoners’ Council has been a pioneer for commons management.’ So says Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society on the 25th anniversary of the first meeting of the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council on 18 August 1986. The council was set up following implementation of the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 which, uniquely, also…
Read MoreCaldicot school path saved
Monmouthshire County Council’s plan to close part of the footpath which crosses the grounds of Castle Park Primary School, Caldicot, has been thrown out by Welsh ministers. A planning inspector, Heidi Cruickshank, ruled on the proposal on behalf of the ministers. The footpath, number 28, is enclosed by fencing and runs across the school playing-field.…
Read MoreTwo commons to be fenced despite our objections
We are sorry that the environment secretary has given consent for fencing, for 20 years, on two commons: Bricketwood Common, near St Albans in Hertfordshire, and Tregonetha Common, near St Columb Major in mid-Cornwall. In both cases the applicant, St Albans Council for Bricketwood and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust for Tregonetha, argued that it was…
Read MoreFerris-wheel on Brighton highway
We have joined protestors against the plan by Paramount Attractions to erect a 45-metre-high ferris-wheel on Daltons Bastion, a public highway on Brighton’s seafront. The company was given planning permission in April but, because the wheel is to be sited on a public highway, Daltons Bastion, Brighton and Hove Council must also give consent under…
Read MoreMumbles developers must observe common-land law
We have written to John Bollom, the managing director of Amusement Equipment Co Ltd which has consent for a major development on the headland and foreshore at Mumbles. The society has reminded Mr Bollom of his company’s obligations regarding common land. The society was among the numerous objectors to the luxury hotel, apartments and associated…
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Rus in urbe—come to our open day!
The Open Spaces Society is holding an open day on Saturday 3 September, to explore some of the exquisite countryside around Harrow-on-the-Hill. Our members, the feisty Northwick Park Group, are hosting us at St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, 214 Carlton Avenue West, Wembley HA0 3QY, from 11.30am. In the morning there will be talks about the…
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Microlight plans still up in the air
We have joined forces with local campaigners to fight the appeal by Mr Mark Fowler against Aylesbury Vale District Council’s refusal of planning permission for microlight aircraft flights at Bernwood Farm, Botolph Claydon in mid Bucks. The application is retrospective: Mr Fowler, the tenant of Bernwood Farm, is already flying aircraft there without consent. We…
Read MoreOutdoor enthusiasts tell Forestry Panel: protect access for future generations
Outdoor enthusiasts have come together to tell the Independent Forestry Panel that access must be ‘at the heart’ of England’s future forestry policy and that access must be protected and guaranteed for future generations. The Forest Access User Group, made up of 10 outdoor organizations, representing over 8 million people who regularly use woodland, have…
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