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Newhaven port campaign fails in Supreme Court Newhaven port campaign fails in Supreme Court
(about 2 hours later)
A campaign to register Newhaven's West Beach as a village green to protect it from development has failed.A campaign to register Newhaven's West Beach as a village green to protect it from development has failed.
The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Newhaven Port and Properties (NPP) which has plans to develop the area. The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Newhaven Port and Properties (NPP) which is planning to develop the area.
NPP said it was pleased common sense had prevailed and it would take time to consider the decision's implications.NPP said it was pleased common sense had prevailed and it would take time to consider the decision's implications.
Newhaven Town Council said it was devastating news for local residents who had used the beach for generations before its closure in 2006. Newhaven Town Council said it devastating news for residents who had used the beach for generations before its closure in 2008.
In a statement, Newhaven Port and Properties said: "The Supreme Court has confirmed that land which forms part of a statutory undertaking and is part of the harbour within the statutory limits, and land which is controlled by byelaws cannot be registered as a village green. In a statement, NPP said: "The Supreme Court has confirmed that land which forms part of a statutory undertaking and is part of the harbour within the statutory limits and land which is controlled by byelaws, cannot be registered as a village green.
"NPP appreciate that this decision will be a disappointment to campaigners." "NPP appreciates this decision will be a disappointment to campaigners."
It said it was now focusing on its plans for regeneration of the port, which it said would bring much-needed jobs and benefits to the local community. To be registered as a village green, land must have been used by a significant number of local residents "as of right", for a period of at least 20 years.
But Supreme Court judges decided the public enjoyed "an implied licence", arising from the byelaws and therefore the use was not "as of right".
NPP said it was now focusing on its plans for regeneration of the port, which it said would bring much-needed jobs and benefits.
Norman Baker, Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, said: "The battle carries on. This is Newhaven's beach. People have grown up with this beach, they want it back.
"I am going to carry on until we get it back. I am going to see the port manager to try to negotiate access to the beach. This issue will not go away," he said.