Introducing a NEW GUIDE to help local councils protect precious green spaces and paths, Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the OPEN SPACES SOCIETY, Britain’s oldest conservation body (founded in 1865), said, “Often town, parish and community councils (local councils) are unaware of all the extensive powers they have to deal with problems on open spaces and paths. These powers are scattered in different and sometimes obscure pieces of legislation. This is why we have brought them together in one document.”
The guide explains the powers specifically conferred on local councils and the powers which, although available to the public in general, are best exercised by the local council because it has the authority and more resources than most individuals and voluntary organisations.
Ashbrook added, “For instance, local councils are best placed to take enforcement action against unlawful encroachment on a common or green. They can force the highway authority to remove obstructions on a public right of way, and use their unique power of veto to prevent the extinguishment or diversion of a route with vehicular rights, including roads and highway verges.”
“The society has many local-council members and we encourage others to join us, and to benefit from our training courses and our advisory service, so that they can exercise their legal powers in defence of open spaces and paths.”
The guide covers:
Common land
how to:
- consider applications for works, and to enforce against unlawful works
- protect unclaimed land
- protect against trespass and encroachment
- regulate or manage a common or green (including one with no known owner)
- create common land
Town and village greens
how to:
- protect from development and encroachment
- voluntarily register
- protect unclaimed land
Other open spaces
how to:
- dispose of council-owned land legally
- dedicate access rights
- nominate as local green space (in England)
Public rights of way
how to:
- deal with obstructions
- defend a route with vehicular rights against extinguishment or diversion
- carry out maintenance
- create a public right of way
Photo: New village green at Scorton in North Yorkshire, registered voluntarily by Scorton Parish Council in 2020.
Traynor On The Trail 