From PINS to all authorities 1 August 2025

Dear Pioneer and 2014 Commons Registration Authorities (CRAs)

I write to you concerning applications made to CRAs to register land as a town or village green under Section15 of the Commons Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Section 16 of the Growth and Infrastructure Act 2013 amended the law on registering new greens by inserting a new section 15C and Schedule 1A into the 2006 Act.  Section 15C(1) of the 2006 Act excludes the right to apply when a prescribed event, known as a ‘trigger event’, has occurred within the planning system in relation to that land. At any time when the right to apply is excluded in respect of land, a CRA cannot accept any application to register that land as a green. The right to apply remains excluded until and if a corresponding ‘terminating event’ occurs in respect of the land.

The Guidance to Commons Registration Authorities in England on Sections 15A to 15C of the Commons Act 2006 says (at paragraph 79) that on receipt of an application the CRA must write to both the local planning authority and to the Planning Inspectorate for written confirmation of whether any trigger or terminating events have occurred in relation to the land, and the details of any such events. The guidance provides an example letter (An Annex A letter) for CRAs to use. 

However, our view is that there is no statutory basis for the Planning Inspectorate or, indeed, the Secretary of State to become involved in this process.

Please be aware that the Planning Inspectorate are therefore no longer responding to Annex A letter requests for written confirmation as to whether any trigger or terminating events have occurred in relation to applications to register a new town or village green. This applies to both existing and future requests. CRAs can instead seek information about trigger and terminating events from the available online sources, including the below:   
 

  • Transport and Works Act (TWA) applications and decisions - GOV.UK (for post 2006 TWA orders)
  • Notices | All Notices | The Gazette (for pre 2006 TWA orders)  
  • Welcome to Find a National Infrastructure Project (for orders relating to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs))  

 
Regards

Rights of Way and Common Land Decision Service
Planning Inspectorate