Reform of town and village greens registration system

The Department Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has launched a consultation on proposals for reforming the registration system for town and village greens.

The proposals in the consultation will not prevent the protection of any existing registered greens. Any changes to the registration system will not bring the designation of new greens to an end.

The law relating to greens is complex and there is concern that some registration applications are used to hinder legitimate development. Once a green is registered it cannot be developed, irrespective of any planning permission or allocation in a local plan.

DEFRA’s consultation asks whether the registration system can strike “a better balance between protecting quality green spaces valued by local people and securing the new homes, jobs and essential infrastructure the country needs”.

The consultation runs until the 17th of October. A full copy of the consultation document is available here.

Community group wanting to protect a green space? Land owner or developer worried about how village green status may affect your property? Give Mick or Gareth a ring for a free, informal chat on 01282 872570, or email your question.

©Kirkwells Town Planners and Sustainable Development Consultants based at the Lancashire Digital Technology Centre in Burnley www.kirkwells.co.uk

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