THE first step in a bid to safeguard open space by earmarking it as a village green has failed – but there is still an opportunity to appeal.

Green space in Thamesdale, London Colney, has been threatened with development on several occasions because it would effectively “infill” the estate which comprises a number of surrounding roads. Through their county councillor Chris Brazier, the residents applied for village green status but have now learned in an interim decision that it has been unsuccessful.

The county council as the commons registration authority accepted that there was evidence of 20 years continuous use of the green space but was unclear whether it was ever officially designated as amenity land for the Thamesdale Estate.

The application fell down on the fact that the county council felt that use of the land had continued until December 11, 2007, when the gate to the land was locked and it needed to have ceased before April 6 of that year.

Cllr Brazier said that there was still a chance to appeal through oral representations and he would be talking to residents about that option.

He went on: “What we have been trying to do is safeguard this bit of green space because there is nowhere else on the estate for people to walk or play a bit of football. It is not the end of the line but it is a backward step.”