Campaign group looks to raise funds
By Guildford People | Friday, September 17, 2010, 08:00
AN APPLICATION to turn an area of land in Bookham into a village green is set to be determined by a public inquiry.
The Stay Green Space campaign was launched at the end of last year over worries that the area of grass and woodland between Guildford Road and the Lower Road recreation ground could be used for housing.
The extensive patch of greenery had been identified as a potential area for housing under Mole Valley District Council’s Local Development Framework.
In order to preserve the land residents have made an application to Surrey County Council to make the land a village green.
Campaign founder Martyn Pearson said the land is popular with walkers and people taking their dogs out.
Mr Pearson, of Childs Hall Road, said: “I think it is a positive step that it is going to a public inquiry. They could have turned it down. The fact is they can see there is merit in our case.”
Since putting forward the application the campaign has also commissioned a survey from the Surrey Wildlife Trust, which found there were a number of different species of insects, plants and trees living on the land.
A spokeswoman for the group added: “I think it is a more expensive option but it is a contentious subject and it is important that everyone has their views aired.”
The group says it is now looking into how much it will cost to put their case forward at the public inquiry, which is expected to take place in February.
The spokeswoman added: “We will need to raise funds and will let you know how contributions can be made so that we can continue with our application.”
Surrey County Council confirmed a public inquiry was set for next year to determine the result of the green application.
In order to qualify as a village green under law it needs to be proven that it is an area where people have enjoyed legitimate pastimes for the past 20 years.
Legitimate pastimes can include cricket matches, dog-walking and blackberry-picking.
Comments
You fail to mention that in order to qualify the users must demonstrate that they have used the land 'as of right' for the 20 years. 'As of right' requires that use of the land is 'without force', and 'without permission.' Mr Pearson knows full well that the owners of this land have attempted to keep this farming land fenced, and that year in, year out, someone from the local community cuts through the fences to gain access. Six strand barbed wire and sheep wire does not cut itself. It is going to cost the 'community' around 50 thousand pounds to hire a barrister to argue their case at the public enquiry, and another 50 thousand for the landowners to defend their ownership. What a horrendous waste of money for all concerned. This Village Green legislation was never intended to deprive law-abiding landowners of their property. If Mr Pearson has a problem with housing potentially being built across the road from his home, fair enough, but to involve the local community in such a costly and pointless exercise to preserve his view is not right. No Village Green application a large plot of farmland has been successful anywhere in the country - I wonder if Mr Pearson has told his followers that?
By Landdefender at 18:01 on 20/09/10
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