Playing fields at Byng Road
Received: 24 March 2023
I am enquiring about the playing fields at Byng Road, EN5 which are leased to Barnet Elizabethans Rugby Club. According to the council land records this is owned by LBB.
The field is being redeveloped to upgrade the clubhouse and pitches. Some of the local community are concerned that the level of open access that the public currently enjoy will be reduced, e.g. erection of perimeter fencing.
The club have claimed that the site is not a public open space, even though the community have enjoyed open access for over 30 years. There is also signage at the site stating 'Byng Open Space'.
Therefore it's in the public interest to clarify what access rights the public have to the space.
The FOI request:
- please confirm whether the land is still owned by Barnet Council (with leasehold to BERFC)
- please derail any lease conditions that require public access to be maintained (e.g. covenants)
In order to respect the clubs privacy, it is not necessary to provide full details of the leasehold, just a clarification of public access.
In addition to the previous request, could you confirm that it's just the eastern half of the field and clubhouse which is leased by BERFC, and the other half is still owned by the council?
Outcome / Documents
- Response (all information to be supplied) - application/pdf - Download