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Green Space Campaign Landmark Case Success

8th Nov, 2006

A little known piece of legislation dating from 1965 (the Commons Registration Act) allows land to be declared as a ‘town green’ if it has been used for at least 20 years for informal recreation and pastimes. Such recreation might include strolling, blackberry picking and informal games and sports. (Maybe enjoying nature is in there as well somewhere.) This legislation was partly updated in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Unfortunately the regulations which are needed to complete the updating are still awaited from Defra.

In the meantime the Friends of the Trap Grounds in Oxford have been campaigning to have their eponymous site declared as a town green. After fighting through every level of court they have finally had a favourable ruling from the Law Lords. Trap Grounds can become a town green instead of the local council’s preferred option of a housing estate and access road. This campaign and ruling could have profound implications for green space groups everywhere.

Well done them!

Get the full story at www.trap-grounds.org.uk