Village green campaign may get inquiry

A controversial plan to turn land in Shropshire into a village green could go to a public inquiry, it was revealed today. Campaigners have been urged to appoint a barrister.

County councillors made the recommendation to people calling for a green near St George’s Church in Clun.

Planning committee members today backed a paper, which read: “It is recommended that an independent barrister be appointed to act as inspector to undertake, if necessary, a non-statutory public inquiry into the application and report back to this committee with recommendations.”

An application two years ago was rejected. Applicants were unable to show the land was used “as of right” for lawful sports and pastimes for the 20 years prior to the application and that villagers have continued to use it for this purpose.

But new laws mean applicants can re-submit the plan. Officials have received objections, including one from landowner, the Hereford Diocesan Board of Finance. Susan Dowell, secretary to applicant Jacqueline Fry, said campaigners hoped to fulfil all the criteria set out in the document.

“It is a piece of land behind the church which has been used by the people for a number of years,” she said

Communications officer Anni Holden said the diocese was amazed the council was unable to make a decision.

“We are disappointed that they have chosen to prolong this dispute over the land at Clun,” she said, adding: “It seems extraordinary to us that council taxpayers money will now be used in a situation where little has changed since the previous rejection.”