Town and village greens in East Sussex
Town and Village Greens are usually local areas of land used for sports and pastimes.
Unlike common land, there is no general right of public access over village greens. Access is reserved for the inhabitants of the neighbourhood or locality.
A town or village green may be privately owned, although in practice many greens are owned by the local parish council. Some greens may also have rights of common over them.
The Registers of Common Land and Town and Village Greens in East Sussex are held at County Hall in Lewes. The registers are a written record that describes each piece of land and a set of maps. These can be viewed by contacting the Definitive Map team .
Property search
Before buying a property it is wise to check whether it sits on or near a town or village green. This may be included in your survey, but you can also check the registers yourself.
Using the registers you can check whether the property is on land registered as a town or village green.
The written register might reveal the name of the owner of the town or village green.
The Register can be viewed in person for free by appointment at County Hall in Lewes. To make an appointment contact the Definitive Map team.
Alternatively we can carry out a property search for small fee.
Claiming a new town or village green
The Commons Act 2006 allows for applications to be made to register land as a new village green. You will need to show that the land in question has been used:
- for a period of at least 20 years
- for the purposes of lawful sports and pastimes
- ‘As of right’ (for example, without force, secrecy or permission)
- by the inhabitants of a locality, or a neighbourhood within a locality
Alternatively, a landowner may voluntarily register land as a new village green.
If the land you wish to register as a village green is close to the county border or to Brighton & Hove, other local authorities may be responsible for dealing with your application. To check which local authority is responsible, please contact:
How to apply
Applications go through a three-stage process.
Stage 1
If you wish to register land as a village green, please first read Defra's guidance notes and download their application form on the GOV.UK website.
You also will need to supply the following documents:
- A map showing the boundaries of the proposed village green.
- A map outlining the area that local users of the land come from.
- A completed Statutory Declaration. This is included in the Defra form above, and must be witnessed by a solicitor or magistrate.
- Evidence forms or letters of support from residents. These describe when and how residents use this land – please download and print copies for each resident supporting the application. They should all be submitted together by the person organising the application:
Download the evidence form [265.0 KB] [doc]
Return all completed documentation to:
Rights of Way Team
East Sussex County Council
County Hall
St Anne’s Crescent
Lewes
BN7 1UE
If you have any queries regarding your application please email the Definitive Map Team or telephone 0345 6080 193.
Stage 2
Once we receive your application, it is publicised and people are invited to comment. The application and all the evidence is then assessed and a report is written, recommending whether or not the land should be registered as a village green. It may be necessary to hold a hearing to determine the application.
Stage 3
The Commons and Village Green Registration Panel has the final say about whether or not village green status is granted. The Panel is made up of County Councillors. They consider the report then write to all parties concerned to confirm the final decision.
