Landowner Challenges The Council Over Town Green Status

The landowner Houshang Jafari is attempting to challenge the decision making process of Bristol City Council in their declaration of Grove Wood as a Town & Village Green. This potentially elevates the whole issue to the High Court but before that an initial permission stage is required to filter out any illegitimate claims. Accordingly, a short oral hearing is taking place on Tuesday 13th November 2012 at the Bristol Civil Justice Centre, 2 Redcliffe Street, Bristol, BS1 6GB. The landowner has very little grounds as the decision was facilitated by an independent inspector. The public are welcome to attend, especially those wanting to witness the antics of this self-styled 'lord' and his associates.

April Fools Town Green Celebration 2012

On April Fools Day 2012 campaigners and members of the local community celebrated Grove Wood becoming a Town Green. Whilst this benefits the immediate neighbourhoods of Stapleton and Fishponds as established throughout the application process this is great news for people throughout Bristol who also visit the land. The event was supported by local counsellors Steve Comer and Lesley Alexander who have been committed to preserving the woodland for local people. See here for a few reasons why this is such an important place and visit the Snuff Mills Action Group blog for more photos and a video of the event.

Grove Wood Granted Town Green Status!

On 15th March 2012 Grove Wood was granted Town & Village Green status by the Public Rights of Way and Greens Committee, following recommendations by the independent inspector and senior council officers. This means local residents and the wider public have the legal endorsement to access and enjoy Grove Wood for leisure, recreation and pastimes as they have done 'as of right' for well over twenty years. There were 61 supporting public statements (including 2 late submissions) and a measly 4 objections submitted by the landowner and his paid staff and associates. What was clearly recognised by Anne Nugent, Head of Legal Services for Bristol City Council, was the manner in which the ownership had 'changed hands' but was always under the control of Houshang Jafari, registering it under several bizarre companies like the most recent 'Kingdon of Najafabad Ltd'. Yes, here in the UK you can freely invent different companies for whatever purpose you desire, especially when trying to conceal your business operations. There were more futile objections and illegitimate rantings from the landowner's wife, Katrina Jafari, but these were appropriately dealt with by the chair. You can download the report here in PDF format.