Buckinghamshire Council has confirmed it will host an inquiry to decide if an area of land should get extra protection from any potential development.

An inquiry will be held to determine whether an area of land on the northeast side of Lye Green in Chesham should be designated 'Village Green' status - giving it extra weight to remain free from development.

The move comes after a disagreement between the landowners looking to develop the area and Brown Not Green Chesham (BNG), a not-for-profit campaign group.

For years, Brown Not Green Chesham campaigners have called for better protection of Green Belt land in Lye Green to keep the area clear of development.

Although initial plans for hundreds of new homes on the parcel of land were shelved by the council in October 2020, a housing developer still has the opportunity to bid for development over most of the land, BNG fear.

An area of land can be registered to become a village green if the applicants can show it has been used by local people for “lawful sports and pastimes” as a right for at least 20 years, Defra guidance states.

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After a Village Green status is nominated, the area receives "considerable statutory protection," Defra guidance says. 

Injuring and digging a designated green, or interruping the use or enjoyment of it as a place for recreation is a criminal offence. 

A Bucks Council spokesperson said: “This inquiry has been organised by the council so that an independent Inspector can consider the evidence from both sides and write a report with a recommendation as to whether the council should accept or reject the village green application.”

How to take part

Anyone wishing to put evidence forward who hasn't already done so needs to attend the inquiry, Buckinghamshire Council confirmed. 

The inquiry will be held at Flaunden Village Hall, Birch Lane, Flaunden, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 0PT across several days.

On March 21, the inquiry will start at 10.30am.

On March 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, and 29 the public inquiry will start at 10am instead.