Common land and town or village greens

Find out how land is registered for public use and how to apply for changes.

Last updated: 2nd January

Common land and town or village greens

Land subject to common rights, owned by individuals and used for activities such as collecting firewood or grazing livestock, is known as Common Land. Town or Village Greens are areas used by the public for recreation. Both are registered under the Commons Registration Act 1965 and Commons Act 2006. Staffordshire County Council is the Registration Authority for these land types. Refer to GOV.UK for further information on common land and village greens.

Search the register

Check if land is registered as common land or a town or village green

Registering land as a town or village green

You can apply to register land if it has been used:

  • For at least 20 years
  • For lawful sports and pastimes
  • 'As of right' – without force, secrecy or permission
  • By inhabitants of a locality or neighbourhood within a locality

Refer to the gov.uk website for details and the application form. Completed forms should be sent to land.charges@staffordshire.gov.uk.

Changing the register

If you believe land has been incorrectly registered, you may apply to amend the register. Amendments can only be made under Commons Act 2006, Section 19(2)(a) and Schedule 2 (6–9).

How much does it cost to change a register?

Amendments can only be made under Commons Act 2006, Section 19(2)(a) and Schedule 2 (6-9)  - £2,409.00

Applications received

  • Proposed applications: None
  • Pending applications: None
  • Determined applications: None