In so many parts of England people are banding together to try and fight off developers. In some areas, the only green space left for children to play on, is under threat as the ‘push’ for new houses goes on endlessly and heedlessly.

This Labour government originally said that no more playing fields would be sold under their watch. Yet another hollow promise quickly broken.

But there is a more sinister side to all this.

In my area, the Council sold the playing field to developers. Little or no consultation with the local population took place. To fight these proposals, the best avenue open to us was to apply for Village Green status for the field in question. To do this, you must first apply to the Council, present evidence of twenty years use by the general public, and should the evidence from your community be deemed sufficient, then a Public Inquiry is granted.

In our case, this was merely a PR exercise! We were ‘seen to be listened to’, but it was never going to change their plans. Too much money had been invested!

The Inspector was appointed by the Government, and by the very same Council!

He listened politely, but his final report bore little resemblance to what had actually taken place. Opposition witnesses were highly praised, (even those who chose not to attend and face cross-questioning!) and local witnesses were patronised: you saw the (trespass) signs; ignored them for twenty years or more; and then forgot that you had seen them! (As if!)

And then the same Council voted to accept his conclusion: no Village Green status! (Surprise, surprise!)

The next option left is to seek a Judicial Review of the facts that were neglected by the Inspector.

There have been so many stumbling blocks along the way it would take too long to tell. Suffice to say: the whole process from beginning to end is designed to thwart whatever local opposition should dare to exist. It is not a venture to be undertaken by the faint-hearted!

But the crux of the matter is this:

How can any council which has a vested interest (i.e. profit from the sale of the land), then act as self-appointed Judge and Jury on the whole proceedings? This in itself contravenes the Basic Law of England and Wales.

This is corruption, encouraged from the highest ranks of government and filtered downwards to individual councils and individual councillors, who all become tainted by the very process!

It isn’t Justice. And it certainly isn’t democracy!

Evelyn Arlsan