Landowners of protected green spaces can make changes to those spaces as long as they fit with the purpose of the protection and benefit its recreational use. Some changes will require our consent which needs to be applied for through our field change request process.
Click here to check if the changes you are proposing to make need our consent
Click here to start an application
When is consent not required?
Changes that do not require our consent:
-
Any outdoor sport and recreational facilities as long as they are open to the public free of charge.
-
Changing the mix of outdoor sport and recreational facilities.
-
Licences provided they do not give exclusive possession and are in line with the permitted use in the protection instrument.
-
Fencing around sport and recreational facilities which does not restrict public access.
-
Events that do not require closure of the protected green space or require closure of no more than 25% of the green space for less than 21 consecutive days (including set-up and set down) per event.
-
Tree planting or tree removal, other planting and wildflower areas, benches.
-
Temporary compounds relating to improvement works within the protected space.
-
Many measures to avoid, adapt or mitigate the actual or anticipated effects of climate change; and/or to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the protected space. Please see the guidance for further information.
The following also do not require our consent provided that the total structural and building footprint (including car parking) does not exceed 20% of the overall protected area:
-
Sports pavilions
-
Changing rooms
-
Public toilets
-
Storage facilities for sport and play equipment and machinery
-
Cafes
When is consent required?
If any of your proposed changes are not in the list above, you may need to apply for consent. Please see the guidance for further information.
You should first check the legal documents relating to your green space. These may include:
-
Governing Instruments
-
Conveyances
-
Transfer documents
-
Deeds
-
Land Registry office copy entries
These documents will provide the basis and justification for seeking any consents from Fields in Trust. You should consider whether you wish to seek independent legal advice.
Once you have reviewed the space's legal documents, please read the guidance we provide, as it explains everything you need to know about the changes you may want to make and the documents we need to see.
Applying for consent
To get Fields in Trust consent you must complete a field change request application form.
The online application form will ask you about the changes you are planning and allow you to upload supporting documentation. Please note that you must have all the relevant documents to hand before you start completing the application, as you cannot save your application and return to it at a later date.
After submitting your application, you will be required to pay an upfront fee of £150 before your application is reviewed. You will be emailed an invoice and, once payment is received, your application will be reviewed by a member of our team. They will be in touch to explain next steps and when you can expect a decision.
You will be charged for the field change request service so please see our fees to get an estimate of the likely costs you will incur for your consent request.
Granting consent
Field change requests are reviewed monthly. Most requests are reviewed for decision by our Planning and Policy Committee which is a representative group of Trustees with the greatest relevant experience. The Fields in Trust Scotland and Cymru Committees have responsibility for decisions in their respective nations. The Fields in Trust Executive also have delegated authority to respond to certain types of requests. We reserve the right to refer any application to our full Council who meet on a quarterly basis.
We are able to accept fast-track applications for any field change request apart from release of land or exchange of land matters. Please see the fee page for further information.
Further information
If you would like more information about the field change request process or have a query not answered in our guidance, please use our contact form, selecting field change request as the topic of your enquiry.
If something is changing on a protected green space close to where you live, in the first instance please direct your query to the landowner.
