Sandgate Escarpment "Village Green" Bid

Following discussions with other interested parties in Sandgate, Sandgate resident David Cowell has decided to invoke Section 15 of the Commons Act 2006. This allows Kent County Council to declare the site a 'village green' and, as such, protect it, in perpetuity, against any development.

In order to qualify for Village Green status, the application has to show that:

1. a significant number of those people who use the land are local people.

2. those using the green have done so without permission, without being stopped or seeing notices which stop them, and without being secretive about it, and that between them they have done this for a continuous period of 20 years.

David says:

"We have to get a significant number of people to complete an evidence questionnaire to support the claim. Significant has been described in Court cases as "sufficient to indicate that it is in general used by the local community for informal recreation" . If you would like to complete an evidence pack please email me your name and address and how many you need (couples can be two) and I will get them to you.

"Please tell friends and relatives and neighbours also. The more the better particularly if they were using it over 20 years ago."

For more information or an evidence pack, contact David Cowell on 0870 251 5822 or email david@davidcowell.net

Frequently Asked Questions (courtesy of the Open Spaces Society):

How can I protect the land?

If you can prove that local people have used the land without secrecy, force or permission for at least 20 years for lawful sports and pastimes, you can apply to register the land as new green. This will protect it from development for ever and preserve it for use by local people.

Who is my registration authority?

In England, all unitary authorities and county councils are registration authorities. In Wales, all county/borough councils are registration authorities.

How long does the process take?

Unfortunately, there is no limit to how long the process can take.

How much evidence do I need to give?

As much as possible, but quality is more important than quantity.