**Gower Village Green Bid Rejected**
In a twist for Gower locals, Swansea councillors have rejected the proposal to grant village green status to land in Pennard, east of Pennard Road, opposite the golf club. Three determined residents submitted the application last year, but following a detailed assessment by a barrister inspector and consideration of objections, the council’s planning committee decided against it.
The land, owned by Pennard Burrows Ltd, was argued to have been used by locals for decades for various activities, making it eligible for village green protection—a designation that would shield it from development and preserve it for community enjoyment. Dr Andy Rees, one of the applicants, passionately urged the committee in a recent meeting to recognise the historical use of the land, contending its significance for local recreation for over 60 years.
But despite these heartfelt appeals, the inspector maintained her stance, asserting that determining the factual use of the land was complex and couldn’t be settled without further inquiries. Even if the land had been used as claimed, the legal standing of “as of right” was questioned due to existing public access rights under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act.
In the end, the committee concluded that there was no purpose in pursuing a public inquiry. The unanimous decision to dismiss the application means that, for now, Pennard’s common land remains without the protective shield of a village green status.
Stay informed on the latest local happenings! 📰🔍