An application has been lodged with the Land Registry to obtain the freehold of Garway Common, once described as one of the finest commons in the midlands.

The common is currently being cared for by Garway Parish Council, who have custodial rights and a duty to maintain and look after the presently unregistered land.

The applicant, James Delacour de Labilliere, was until recently the commanding officer of 1st Rifles based in Beachley, and is the nephew of Sir Peter de Labilliere, grandson of Arthur Lawley who in 1920 purchased the estate of Glanmonnow which included the manorial title, Lord of the Manor of Garway.

Ownership of the ground – which includes land at Broad Oak, the car park of the Moon at Garway and ground adjacent to the war memorial – can be claimed by anyone who can make a convincing case that they have a right to take freehold possession.

Parish councillors called a special meeting where members of the public were able to voice objections to the claim as some of the land in the application has now been registered by occupiers of properties in the area.

Malcolm Howard, vice-chair of the parish council, said they were willing to work with the claimant as reasonable people and continue to enjoy the use of the common once the proof has been shown that the claimant has the right to register the land in his name.

However, others felt that there will be potential for dispute for access across the common, and some of the land in the claim includes roadside verges and land already registered elsewhere.

For full story see Beacon 12/09/12