Degradation of Picket Mead common, Swansea
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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Land at Garrow Lane, Mullion, registered as common
We have welcomed the decision of Cornwall Council to grant our application to register as common approximately 0.63 hectares of land. The strip of mixed vegetation is situated on Garrow Lane, just south of Mullion. In 1968, an application was made to register the land as common land but was subject to an objection. The…
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We oppose gating of Primrose Hill Park
We have made a strong objection to the Royal Parks’ planning application for nine gates around the edge of Primrose Hill Park in Camden, London; these will restrict people’s access to this important recreational space. In our objection, we state: ‘Primrose Hill, in the heart of a residential area, is an important open space, much…
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Waterstock industrial development rejected
We are delighted that South Oxfordshire District Council has refused an application from Greystoke CB Ltd to build a science park at Waterstock golf course, about seven kilometres west of Thame. Our general secretary joined two walks in protest at the development and, when the application was published, we objected, in support of local members. …
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Seven-year fight saves Blackbushe aerodrome as common land
After a seven-year saga, Blackbushe aerodrome is to stay as part of Yateley Common. That is the final pronouncement of an inspector who has determined the application of Blackbushe Airport Ltd (BAL), made in November 2016, to remove nearly half a square kilometre of airfield from the Hampshire register of common land. We celebrate the…
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We celebrate addition of restricted byway to Norfolk’s path-map
We are delighted that our Norfolk local correspondent, Ian Witham, has succeeded in his application to upgrade a public footpath at Mundesley to a restricted byway, with rights for cyclists, horse-riders and carriage-drivers, in addition to walkers. The 60-metre path runs roughly south-west to north-east, between the C634 Cromer Road to the clifftop. The route…
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User groups save Gloucestershire highway
A precious public ‘green road’ has been protected by user groups combining efforts to resist Gloucestershire County Council’s application to a magistrates’ court to extinguish public rights[1] over Hanover Green Road[2] in the parish of Redmarley D’Abitot. Cheltenham magistrates found the track to be necessary for the public to use, particularly on foot and by…
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We rescue part of ancient Knighton Heath, Dorset
We have welcomed a decision to see off a threat to Knighton Heath in Dorset. In 1957, parts of Winfrith and Knighton Heaths were compulsorily acquired by the government for use as an atomic energy establishment. A small part (one third of a hectare) of Knighton Heath, south of Gibraltar Cottage and not required for…
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Coffey kowtows to landowners and destroys public-path consensus
We are dismayed that the environment secretary, Thérèse Coffey, has destroyed the 2010 consensus for the future of public paths. This consensus was forged by a stakeholder working group (SWG) set up to advise government. It is composed of experienced members reflecting the interests of users, local authorities, and landowners. Dr Coffey has cherry-picked from…
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We slate commercial exploitation of London’s commons
Commons and open spaces in London and across the country are under increased threat from commercial exploitation following a public inquiry decision [1] allowing a massive music festival event. The Open Spaces Society deplores the decision by an inspector, appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to permit the…
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