Dartmoor National Park Authority file objection against Supreme Court legal bid
Dartmoor National Park Authority has agreed to respond to a new application seeking to appeal the Court of Appeal’s judgment which allowed backpack camping on some of Dartmoor’s commons without landowner permission.
On Friday 25 August, the Authority was notified that an application seeking to appeal the judgment had been lodged with the Supreme Court.
The Authority has 14 days to respond which is why the matter was urgently brought before members at their scheduled meeting today.
Members agreed to object to the application and, should the Supreme Court grant permission for a hearing, that the Authority is represented to argue its case.
Speaking after the meeting, Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Chief Executive and National Park Officer Dr Kevin Bishop said: “We respect the right of Mr and Mrs Darwall to seek permission to appeal to the Supreme Court but are disappointed that the unanimous decision of the Court of Appeal might not be the end of the legal process.
“The Authority is clear about its role to protect opportunities for people to enjoy the National Park responsibly and in ways that are respectful of its environment and the people who live and work here.”
The ongoing case hinges on the legal meaning of words in the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985; specifically, whether backpack camping on certain areas of common land counts as a form of open-air recreation and can be done without needing landowner permission first.
The Authority has sought to defend the public’s right to access the National Park for open air recreation ever since the case was brought before the courts; first at the High Court and then the Court of Appeal.
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom (SCUK) is the final court of appeal in the UK for civil cases, and for criminal cases from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. | | | Donate for Dartmoor supports a variety of projects across Dartmoor. Donations of time and money are essential for us to be able to look after the heritage and wildlife of Dartmoor and to make it a place for everyone to enjoy today, tomorrow and for the future.
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