For more than thirty years local people have demonstrated time and again that Codnor Common is special to them – for a number of important reasons – and should remain undisturbed as a valuable open break between Codnor, Waingroves and the fringe of Ripley town centre.

In 2013 I was involved in the attempt to give the remaining land village green status.

Many friends and neighbours provided written evidence for the resulting inquiry at Lumb Farm, Marehay. Some volunteered to provide oral evidence in support of the application. Many people, including local councillors such as Steve Freeborn, attended to show their support.

The village green enquiry took places between 18 to 20 and 25 to 28 March. The enquiry ran from 10am to 5pm, with an evening session from 6pm to 8pm on the first day.

The developer, Peveril Homes, sent a barrister as well as its legal representatives and managers. The leader of the inquiry was from the same chambers as Peveril Homes’s barrister.

Friends of Codnor Common were largely represented by Sylvia Mason, one of the applicants.

You can find out more here http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/images/2013-06-10%20Peasehil%20Codnor%20VG130_tcm44-225701.pdf