THE process to register land as a town or village green is straightforward, costs nothing (other than time), and does not leave anyone exposed to a claim for legal costs. It really is a ‘no lose’ situation.
However, there are 14 trigger events which stop an application from being lodged. One is if a planning application is made for the land. Another is if a draft local plan identifies the land for development.
Wiltshire Council is planning to publish its Wiltshire Housing Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) in June with the Wiltshire Council Cabinet seeing it in May. 
Therefore the DPD will be deemed a trigger event as soon as it is made public in May. 
Can I therefore urge anyone in Wiltshire who is considering making a town or village green application to get on with it and ensure that it is lodged with Wiltshire Council by the end of April.
ERNIE CLARK
Wiltshire councillor for Hilperton Division
Independent Group leader
Wiltshire Council