Public inquiry over whether piece of land in Oundle should have village green status

Oundle Town Council, with help from the Oundle Recreation And Green Spaces Group, made an application to Northamptonshire County Council last December to preserve Fletton Field in Glapthorn Road as an official village green.

The field was once owned by John Smith who ran Smiths’, the brewery and spirit business in Oundle.

When he died in 1899, it was agreed to sell the land to the Guardians of the Poor of the Oundle Union.

As part of the sale, a covenant was placed on the land which stated that its use was to remain for the people of Oundle and that no buildings other than walls or fences should be built.

The Local Government Act of 1929 transferred the powers of Poor Laws to local authorities and so ownership of Fletton Field transferred to the county council.

While the field is owned by the county council, the field has remained in community use since then.

The town council and members of the group want to protect the land, which has been highlighted as a possible asset which could be sold off, so it can continue to be used by the people of Oundle for years to come.

A public inquiry is due to take place this week, starting on Wednesday, November 2, and scheduled to last three days.

Following the public inquiry, the inspector will make a decision on the village green application.

The inquiry starts at 10am on Wednesday in Room 15 of the county council offices at County Hall in George Row, Northampton.

Days two and three of the inquiry will take place at the council chambers of Oundle Town Council’s offices at Fletton House in Fletton Way, Glapthorn Road, Oundle.