Burrows inquiry starts today (From Western Telegraph)

Burrows inquiry starts today

11:20am Tuesday 20th March 2007 in

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A public inquiry starts today to decide whether land at Freshwater East, earmarked for a village green, will be used for residential development .

Outline planning permission for a three-dwelling development on the area of land separating the village from the beach, known as the Burrows, was granted by the National Park Authority last January.

Objectors to the application say that the residents of Freshwater East have been working towards this area having village green status for over 40 years.

They say that the Freshwater East Society began this task in 1961. Now the Freshwater East Community Association is hoping to have the Burrows classed as a village green: this would safeguard it for future use by residents and protect it from development.

Association chairman, Joan Bird, said that to have the Burrows officially classified as a village green under The Commons Act 2006, the group needs to prove the space has been used for "lawful sports and pastimes" by residents for at least 20 years.

"While we recognise that some development in Freshwater East is inevitable," said Miss Bird, "the society has done everything possible for almost 50 years to safeguard the Burrows.

"Village green registration would protect the natural Burrows and ensure the recreational access which local people have enjoyed for generations."

A planning inspector will hear from those for and against the application at a public inquiry at Lamphey Court Hotel starting today and scheduled to end on Friday 23rd.