An application will need to show that the land has been used:
- for a period of at least 20 years
- for the purposes of lawful sports and pastimes
- 'as of right' (without force, secrecy or permission)
- by a significant number of the inhabitants of a particular locality, or a neighbourhood within a locality
Alternatively, a landowner may voluntarily register land as a new village green, in which case it is not necessary to demonstrate a set period of use.
There is no fee for making a town or village green application.
How to apply
Guidance on how to apply is available on GOV.UK. You will need to complete application form CA9 (on GOV.UK)
If you are not applying as the owner of the land itself, then the application will need to be supported by evidence of use. Evidence can come in a variety of forms such as photographs, statements and media articles. Applicants often choose to submit an evidence questionnaire (PDF, 244kb) as a basis for their user evidence.
Completed applications should be posted to:
Commons Registration Service,
Lady Gillford’s House,
Petteril Bank Road,
Carlisle,
CA1 3AJ.
More information
You can find out more about registering village greens on the Open Spaces Society website.