Written question asked by Lord Greaves (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Monday, 7 February 2011.

Commons Act 2006

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the guidance on voluntary applications for registration under Section 15(8) of the Commons Act 2006 issued in December 2007 is still valid.

Answer: Guidance on voluntary applications for registration of land under Section 15(8) of the Commons Act 2006, and on other mechanisms for dedicating land for public access, is available on Defra’s website at: www. defra.gov.uk/rural/documents/protected/common-land/gpg-vdtvg.pdf. We consider that the guidance remains appropriate for voluntary applications under Section 15(8) relating to land in England outside of the areas pioneering the implementation of Part 1 of the 2006 Act. However, we are reviewing whether amendments are required in relation to the voluntary registration of land by local authorities. We will publish updated guidance in due course, which will also take account of new procedures for the dedication of land in areas pioneering the implementation of Part 1 of the 2006 Act.

Secondary information