An application to register land in Freshwater as a village green will be considered by Isle of Wight councillors at the General Purposes (Appeals) Sub Committee on Tuesday, 31 May 2011.
Back in February 2009, David Lewis made the application claiming that on 1 December 2007, the land known as Stroud & Longhalves (marked on the map below) became a town or village green under Section 15 of the Commons Act 2006. His reasoning – that “by the actual use of the land by the local inhabitants for lawful sports and pastimes as of right for not less than 20 years.”
Contradicting evidence
Various piece of evidence in support and objection to the application have been made, including challenges to the original application, including only ten members of the public submitted evidence in support of the application.
An extensive report has been prepared by council officers, which we’ve embed below for your convenience.
To address different sections the land has been split into three sections Area X, Y & Z, marked green, red and purple accordingly on the map below.
Recommendations
The officer recommendation is split due to the evidence from each sides or the application is contradictory – either Option C, that Area X be accepted and Areas Y & Z be rejected or Option D, “That an independent inspector be appointed to review the written evidence and, if appropriate, seek additional oral evidence and report back to the Committee.”
You’ll have to wait until the 31 May, 2011 to find out how it turns out.
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