In July 2012, the Knowle Residents Association submitted an application to Devon County Council to register the land at the Knowle as a Town or Village Green. The application was supported by a number of evidence forms from local residents who confirmed that they had used the land for a number of years for lawful sports and pastimes.

EDDC objected to the application. Devon County Council have appointed an Inspector to make recommendations to them on the application.

The Inspector has convened a one-day public inquiry on 10th April at the Knowle. The purpose of the inquiry is to deal with issues relating to the status of the land, the byelaws and whether a full public inquiry should be held in due course.

Further details are available in the public notices on site and in the Sidmouth Herald.