Old law used in stadium campaign

Poole Town's move from the Tatnam ground is subject to planning consent

Campaigners in a Dorset town are using a 19th Century law to try to prevent the local football club from building a new stadium on the local green.

Poole Town Football Club's proposal to develop Branksome recreation ground was approved by Borough of Poole councillors on 10 June.

It will be subject to planning consent and a lease agreement with the council.

Branksome Rec Action Group have applied to have the site reclassified as a "town green" to try to prevent it.

Under the Inclosure Act 1857 and Commons Act 1876, land can be registered as a town or village green if it has been freely and openly used by local people for "lawful sports and pastimes" for 20 years or more.

'Community deprived'

The Open Spaces Society, which was founded in 1865 and claims to be Britain's oldest national conservation body, has backed the campaign.

Spokeswoman Kate Ashbrook said: "This open space in the heart of Poole is of immense value to local people for quiet recreation.

"If the football club gets its way, the land will be enclosed and used solely as a football ground.

"The community will be deprived of a vital amenity.

"We believe that this land may qualify as a town green, because local people have used the area for 20 years for informal recreation, without asking permission or being stopped."

Poole Borough Council is considering the town green status for the 17-acre (6.9-hectare) site but was unavailable for comment.

The stadium plan includes a new 150-seat stand and social facilities, which a council spokeswoman said would only cover 20% of the site.

There would also be an enclosed football pitch and three new all-weather, multi-use games areas available for use by local schools and the community.

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