LLRA has been approached by a number of people living around Albion Crescent & Albion Close, asking about the status of the green roundabout area with mature trees, towards the top of Albion Crescent. This follows news that the private owners of this land are looking to dispose of it, together with some other parcels of land nearby. The comments below are LLRA’s understanding of the current status of this land and do not constitute expert planning or legal advice. LLRA are clarifying this understanding, by seeking further advice from specialists at both the city and county council.
Green Roundabout on Albion Crescent
The green area is part of the green infrastructure assets in the area. It is classed as Amenity Greenspace in the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan, a category used to describe play areas, urban commons, communal spaces within housing areas and village greens (see image 1 below for area). As such it should have protection against development including the building of permanent structures or enclosures. The area is maintained by City of Lincoln Council, on behalf of Lincolnshire County Council, despite the land being privately owned. LLRA assumes the maintenance activity is funded primarily to maintain the roadside verge area, although the consequence is that the rest of the area is mown and the trees are occasionally maintained to allow the contractors mowing equipment to get underneath. A change of landowner does not change this protection in any way.
Triangular Verge Area to the West of the Green
The drives of 29-35 Albion Crescent cross this private land. As is customary when driveways are built in this manner, the properties should have an “easement” or right to cross the land either expressed in their title deeds or implied from historic use. Homeowners can confirm this right by reading their title deeds. Title deeds for all properties can also be downloaded for £3 from the land registry website. Again, a change of landowner does not change this protection in any way.
Path Between Albion Crescent Green & Albion Close
LLRA understands this path is adopted so there is a right of access to use it, irrespective of who owns the land either side.
Further Information
LLRA will share any further information it receives, on both our website and on the Long Leys Community Email List. To subscribe to this and receive regular information on Long Leys visit long-leys.org/subscribe
Image courtesy of Central Lincolnshire Local Plan Interactive Map
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