Public rights of way blocked in 32,000 places
We’re shocked that walkers are finding public paths in England and Wales blocked in nearly 32,000 places—that’s one obstruction every four and a half miles, and they are getting worse. As Britain’s oldest national conservation body, we’ve been campaigning to protect footpaths, bridleways and byways – as well as other open spaces – since 1865,…
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Dartmoor backpack-camping case is to go to Supreme Court
We are deeply dismayed that the Supreme Court has granted the Dartmoor landowners, Alexander and Diana Darwall, leave to appeal in the Dartmoor backpack-camping case. The society intervened in support of the Dartmoor National Park Authority in the Court of Appeal, and it was delighted when that court ruled that the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 gave…
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Our plan to secure urban green spaces for the public
We made a host of recommendations to secure urban green spaces for public enjoyment. These recommendations have been published by the House of Commons’ Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs Committee, which last year conducted an inquiry into the ecological, environmental, and human benefits of green space, and the most effective solutions to making cities greener…
Read MoreLocal correspondent
The work of the Open Spaces Society depends heavily on its volunteers. In particular our team of Local Correspondents is the backbone of our efforts to preserve public paths, common land and greens. For this post it is essential that the person has the ability to understand and scrutinise path change consultations and orders and…
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We help to save Sneedhams Green common, Gloucestershire, from encroachment
We welcome an inspector’s decision to refuse commons consent for works on Sneedhams Green in Gloucestershire. Black Box Planning Ltd, on behalf of the G W Hughes Will Trust, had applied to the Planning Inspectorate for approval to construct access ways across the common, which is south of Matson and close to the M5. The…
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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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New champion for paths and open spaces in Dudley
We have appointed Mick Freer as our local correspondent for Dudley Borough. Mick will be the society’s watchdog here, keeping a close eye on paths, commons, greens, and open spaces, and defending them in the public interest. Mick has lived all his life on the doorstep of the beautiful Clent Hills, and his interest in…
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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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