Two applications submitted by Welwyn residents to register Singlers Marsh as a village green have been met with opposition by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council. 

The applications were submitted to the Registration Authority at Hertfordshire County Council in 2020 and 2022.

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Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council owns Singlers Marsh, and has been invited by the Registration Authority to reply to each application.

The council said: “Neither application meets the legal criteria for registration as a village green. One criterion is that use of the land, during the relevant period, has taken place without permission or any right to use the land.” 

The council believes that, as a minimum, whether expressly or impliedly, permission has been given to use the land. 

As the landowner, the council does not think that it would be right to allow village green status to be granted in circumstances where the legal criteria are not met. 

The council has submitted objections to each of the applications on the basis that the applications do not meet the legal requirements for registration. 

In addition, the council does not believe that registration as a village green would be compatible with the status of the site as a Wildlife Site and a Local Nature Reserve.  

                                                                                                         

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WHBC believes that it is best placed to control the site and its use – including its use as a Nature Reserve and Wildlife Site – on behalf of all residents, which its current status enables it to do. 

It will be for the Registration Authority to make the decision as to whether or not to register Singlers Marsh as a village green. 

In 2002, an application was made to Hertfordshire County Council, which was refused by the Registration Authority. 

Cllr Stephen Boulton, deputy leader of the council and executive member for resources and planning, said: “Whilst there are limitations on what we can say regarding this unique habitat at this time, due to the ongoing legal proceedings, I hope that this statement gives some assurance that we are acting reasonably and in good faith in relation to the village green applications.”