Pressure from campaigners has forced a Government u-turn on a new law which put common land at risk.

Provisions in the Planning Bill going through the House of Lords would have removed protection for commons and left them open to development. The bill receives its third reading in the Lords tomorrow, Tuesday.

Liberal Democrat Lord Greaves of Pendle – the party’s environment spokesman had tabled an amendment to the legislation after the bill’s committee stage, garnering support from many peers.

But he agreed to withdraw the amendment after the Government put forward its own provision.

The Open Spaces Society welcomed the move. General secretary Kate Ashbrook said: “We are pleased that Lord Greaves pressed for commons to be protected.

“Common land is special, and consequently enjoys extra protection. For instance, if anyone wants to erect a fence or other work on a common he must obtain the consent of the Secretary of State for Environment.

“It appeared that the Planning Bill was sweeping away this special protection for commons, where common land was subject to an order granting development consent. However, the government’s amendment rescues commons and ensures that they will still be recognised as special places with their own laws and procedures.

“In the words of Baroness Andrews, Minister for the Department for Communities and Local Government, commons are ‘an extraordinarily rich and unique part of our heritage’.

“As drafted, the bill appeared to override current legislation which requires that, when a common is taken for development, exchange land which is just as advantageous to all the interests in the common must be given back to the common. The amendment restores that provision.

“Furthermore the Environment Secretary’s jurisdiction over applications for works and other development on common land has been reinstated.”

Lord Greaves said: “I want to thank the minister, Kay Andrews, and the bill team for taking this issue seriously and doing exactly what we asked. I also want to thank the Open Spaces Society for its valuable expert assistance.”

Ms Ashbrook added: “This is an excellent outcome. Although we have deep concerns about the Planning Bill in general, we are relieved that at least common land will enjoy the same protection as now.”

Lord Greaves, born Tony Greaves, is a keen outdoors enthusiast. His website biography states: “I was thrilled to be able to help to get the Countryside and Rights of Way Act into law and perhaps repay a little of the huge amount I have got from the mountains and moorlands of this country, over so many years, as a climber, hill walker, geographer and botanist.”