Delay to implementation of Part 1, Commons Act 2006
The society is disappointed to learn that there has been a last-minute delay to implementation of Part 1 of the Commons Act 2006 in two new pioneer areas, Cumbria and North Yorkshire. It will not therefore be possible to make applications in these two areas from 1 October as originally scheduled. We have been advised…
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Public hearing for Ealing’s Haven Green
The Friends of Haven Green and the Open Spaces Society are defending Haven Green (which is common land) at a hearing on Thursday 25 September. Ealing Council wants to widen a footway, erect temporary fencing, renew the footways and swap the land occupied by the old bus-layby, which will become common, for other land which…
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Saving our green spaces
If you want to save your open space you need to get involved. Our general secretary Kate Ashbrook tells you how. Communities need to be on their toes if they want to rescue their much-loved spaces from developers. The opportunity to register them as town or village greens has recently diminished in England, and…
Read MoreA blight on Hackney Marshes
We have objected to plans from the London Borough of Hackney to develop part of Hackney Marshes (East) for a car park and (North) for a pavilion with car park. We are backing our member the Hackney Marshes User Group which has for some time been protesting about the proposals. The marshes are registered common land and…
Read MoreWe oppose development of Nuneaton’s old common
We have objected to plans from Gladman Developments Ltd to build 262 houses on former common land at Plough Hill Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. The land is known as Galley Common and is of historical significance. We are dismayed that it is proposed to develop this land. It will suburbanise this attractive area and spoil people’s…
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Beverley Westwood exchange-plan ditched
The East Riding of Yorkshire Council has ditched its plans to swap land on the ancient Beverley Westwood Common for a small piece on the northern edge. This was to accommodate a cycle track across the common. Because there were objections to the swap, the Planning Inspectorate was to hold a hearing on 28 October,…
Read MoreWe fight windfarm in the heart of rural Powys
We have objected to plans for seven wind-turbines in the quiet countryside five miles east of Llandrindod Wells, Powys. Hendy Wind Farm Ltd has applied to Powys County Council for planning permission Hendy Wind Farm Ltd has applied to Powys County Council for planning permission for the turbines and ancillary development, including an access road,…
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Unwelcome development on Lake District common
The Lowther Estate wants to develop White Moss Common next to the A591 between Rydal Water and Grasmere in the Lake District National Park. The estate proposes to create a visitor centre and hierarchy of routes at the existing car-park and has submitted a planning application to the Lake District National Park Authority (ref 7/2014/5399).…
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Delight that Dartmoor eyesores have gone
Five kilometres of ugly poles and power-lines on Walkhampton Common, south-west Dartmoor, have been removed. Because the land is common, Western Power Distribution obtained consent last year under section 38 of the Commons Act 2006 for the works. We supported the application. The beautiful open landscape of Walkhampton Common in the Dartmoor National Park has…
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Private-parking plan rejected on Surrey common
The Planning Inspectorate has rejected plans by the Shere Manor Estate to create parking spaces on Hurtwood Common near Holmbury St Mary in Surrey. This was to be in connection with the housing development proposed for the former Hollybush Tavern. The development had been granted planning permission in January 2013 but, because the works were…
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