Defra, the Government department for the environment, has published proposals to amend the system of registering new town or village greens, which could make it more difficult to legally protect greens from development.

Cumbria has over 250 town and village greens and they provide many benefits to society, e.g. places for recreation, health benefits, wildlife or just to provide a nice view.

Defra wish to allow more "legitimate development where it is most appropriate" and perceive that town and village green registrations are thwarting that development, even though the evidence points to the contrary.

Green registrations are based on communities establishing rights over the land for sports and pastimes over a 20 year period but it appears Defra favour development over people's rights. They are also proposing an additional character test on top of the existing requirements which would only allow new greens if they are unenclosed, open and uncultivated. This would prevent the registration of many new greens in upland areas where grazing occurs or where the land has significant woodland.

We believe that Defra has placed too much emphasis on development at the expense of the legitimate rights of communities and that rather than simplifying the system for communities, they are making it more complex.

We are working with the Open Spaces Society, Cumbria Association of Local Councils and others to try and get a more balanced approach. Defra are holding a consultation, which runs until 17 October. If you value the open green spaces which town and village greens represent please respond and tell Defra what you think by clicking the link below:

Defra Town and Village Green Review Consultation

Our response to the Town and Village Green Review Consultation

For more information, contact Jan Darrall, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it