Could a Beach be a "Village Green"?

A recent ruling by the Supreme Court has thrown open the possibility of a beach being registered as a ‘village green’.

In most circumstances a beach cannot be registered as a village green, as there are very often harbour bylaws that give implied permission for the public to use the beach. The registration of the land as a village green would be incompatible with the port authority’s statutory powers and duties.

However where there are no port authority powers, then technically, the court ruled, it would be possible for the public to argue that they are using a beach ‘as of right’, making it capable of registration as a village green.

At Samuels we have a wealth of experience assisting clients and community groups to protect their local community's important assets. For assistance relating to the registration of community assets (such as pubs, village halls and shops) click here.

To discuss whether your local beach could be registered as a village green, contact us for a free no obligation discussion.