Housing hindered by cynical village green claims — February 24, 2010

Housing developers have raised concerns that some members of the public are misusing legal processes to deliberately try and block new affordable housing projects from taking place in their areas.

The UK is in desperate need for more affordable housing to meet growing demand. More entry level housing that can help people get onto the housing market is something the government, the public and local councils have all expressed the need for, but it seems that not everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet.

The National Housing Federations has recently outlined major concerns about villagers submitting frivolous village green applications as a way of slowing down or stopping developments. Village greens are areas recognised by the law as portions of land that have been used for recreational purposes by those living in the area for twenty years or more. Applications can be submitted even after projects due to start on the land have been awarded planning permission. Village green status protects the area from development.

However, their has been an increase in applications of late for village green status to be awarded to areas that are nothing short of derelict spaces and housing developers believe it is a cynical move to prevent the land being used. The legal battles developers are facing because of the frivolous applications are costing thousands and affordable housing is being delayed in spite of the country’s need.

The National Housing Federation is seeking a change in the law.