As their coastal road trip continues, Richard and Lizzie turn their attention to village greens.Despite the name, a village green does not need to be in a village, nor does it need to be green. Quarries, industrial land, playing fields and even beaches have all been the subject of village green claims. In this episode of ‘When Land Meets the Sea’, Richard explores the West Beach in Newhaven and the Supreme Court decision in R (Newhaven Port & Properties Ltd) v East Sussex County Council [2015].The case raised a fundamental question: can land used by local people for recreation become a village green, even when it forms part of a working commercial port? Richard and Lizzie discuss:• What qualifies as a town or village green under English law • Why a beach can potentially become a village green • The legal test of public use "as of right" • The difference between using land by permission and using it as a legal right • How local recreational use can create powerful rights over land • Why the Supreme Court ruled that Newhaven's West Beach could not be registered as a village green • The concept of "statutory incompatibility" and its impact on ports, infrastructure and public bodies • What the decision means for coastal landowners, harbour authorities, developers and local communities The Newhaven case highlights the often delicate balance between public access, community interests and the operational needs of critical coastal infrastructure. Whether you are involved in coastal development, public sector property, ports, regeneration projects or simply enjoy exploring Britain's beaches, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the hidden legal rights that can exist beneath our feet. ‘When Land Meets the Sea’ is a podcast series exploring the legal, commercial and environmental issues shaping the future of Britain's coastal communities. Relevant cases: TW Logistics v Essex County Council [2018] Get in touch!Training & Free Webinars for Property Professionals:Would you like to keep up to date with the latest in real estate law? Davitt Jones Bould offers legal training tailored to your organisation’s needs, delivered in person across the UK or remotely. We also run free monthly webinars through for surveyors, solicitors, and property professionals across sectors. To sign up or learn more, visit our events page here or email [email protected] for information and booking. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal or professional advice. No liability is accepted by Davitt Jones Bould for any reliance placed on its content. Get in touch!

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