Threat to Common Land...News in Detail

Residents of Lower Kingswood and Mogador are being urged to contact their local Councillors and MP to voice their concerns over a worrying development in the Mount Hill area of Mogador which could affect other areas of Common Land in the village and surrounding areas.

In recent weeks, a roadway and fencing has been erected on the Common Land to the south side of the access road to Mount Hill. It is understood that Walton Health Golf Club, which as “Lord of the Manor” has responsibility for various pockets of Common Land in the area (including the golf course) has transferred this section of Common Land to adjacent property owners, who have subsequently cleared the land for a driveway and fenced off the area. Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is aware of the situation and has assured the Residents’ Association that the appropriate steps are being taken to remove the building works and to restore free access to the common land.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is the only body capable of taking action as it is the owner of the one remaining Right of Common over Walton Heath. According to the Council, the works have been carried out without Planning Permission and without the necessary consent from the Secretary of State for the Environment, whose permission is required for any fencing off or other works on Common Land. However, if the Council fails to take action it could leave the way open for the whole of Walton Heath to lose its Common Land status.

The Residents’ Association has already contacted the Council regarding this issue but to ensure that this situation is rectified and does not set a precedent for other areas of Common Land in the Mogador and Lower Kingswood area, the Association is urging all residents to voice their concerns to their local Councillors and MP to ensure that the Common Land is left untouched for all residents to freely enjoy.