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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 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 devastating news for residents who had used the beach for generations before its closure in 2008. | |
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 appreciates this decision will be a disappointment to campaigners." | |
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. |