Controversial Crystal Palace Park plans called in by Government
by Ross Lidbetter
ross.lidbetter@essnmedia.co.uk
Controversial plans to build homes in Crystal Palace Park will now have to be approved by the Government before going ahead.
The planning application for the park, which was given the green light by Bromley Council last month, was called in by the Secretary of State, Hazel Blears on Wednesday. She will also hold a public inquiry.
The masterplan, put forward by the London Development Agency, included building up to 180 homes, as well as a new regional sports centre.
The latest move was revealed in a letter written to Southwark councillor Michelle Holford yesterday (Wednesday).
Referring to the Secretary of State's decision, Pamela Roberts, of the Government Office for London, wrote: "Her policy is to be very selective about calling in planning applications.
"She will, in general, only take this step if planning issues of more than local importance are involved.
"Having regard to this policy, the Secretary of State is of the opinion that this application is one that she ought to decide herself because she considers that the proposal may conflict with national and regional policies on important matters.
"The Secretary of State accordingly directs... that the application shall be referred to her instead of being dealt with by the council."
Cllr Alexa Michael, chair of the development control committee at Bromley, had described the application as providing a "visionary long-term" plan that would bring about "welcome improvements to this historic park".
He said at the time: "The applicant has convinced us that there are very special circumstances that justify the relatively small residential development on parts of the site.
But Ms Roberts added: "To consider all the relevant aspects of the proposed development, the Secretary of State has decided to hold a local inquiry."
John Payne, chair of the Crystal Palace Community Association (CPCA), said he was delighted by the news.
The CPCA had fought hard against the plans which he believes were simply unacceptable.
Mr Payne explained: "We are heartened that the Secretary of State, in calling the application in, has recognised the importance of the issues of building on protected park land.
"Now perhaps for the first time, proper scrutiny can be applied to the LDA's masterplan.
Mr Payne added that, despite reassurances from the LDA there would be no additional homes, there is no written guarantee of this anywhere.
And he felt it would set a precedent for homes being built on parkland.
6 Comments
by richard francis, thornton heath/upper norwood
Friday, March 06 2009, 2:50PM
“To comment on the article (Feb 13) and Ray Sacks's letter (also Feb 13), the notion that the LDA Masterplan has majority public support is laughable.
This is not the only game in town, and the 'game' is far from over.
Some people may have been taken in by the years of misinformation and deception. Others certainly have not. There is everything still to play for.”
by Don, Upper Norwood
Thursday, February 05 2009, 4:45PM
“Here here, about time the site was put o good use the oldies blocked a complex being built there which could have provided jobs for local people, now they want to block housing plans which could help young people rent and buy affordable homes. Oldies stop being selfish you aint gonna be here for long give youngsters some opportunities in life!! theres dozens of other local parks.”
by richard francis, thornton heath/upper norwood
Saturday, January 31 2009, 11:21PM
“Richard, where is your optimism? Are you not being a little gloomy?
Yes, I am, if only to underline the importance of LOCAL democracy, which must not be allowed to be trampled on, as hitherto. In other words, a timely warning to those in high places. This is a very important test case of which way the wind is blowing, and therefore to be welcomed.”
by richard francis, thornton heath/upper norwood
Saturday, January 31 2009, 11:04PM
“Two excellent comments: Arfur is 100% correct; M Wicks told me he was not bothered about housing on our Park; as TDSmith says, it is a pantomime/charade, and I should know, having attended nearly every performance, and commented satirically thereon, as self-appointed local theatre critic in recent CPCA Newsletters. Ken, Boris.....the list of traitors has some big names, as well as those in higher office (I suspect).”
by Arfur Towcrate, Staffycher
Thursday, January 29 2009, 7:25PM
“Given that Croydon North MP, Malcolm Wicks, voted in favour of a third runway at Heathrow, he's hardly likely to be bothered supporting local people fight against this creeping threat to Crystal Palace park.”
by T Dan Smith, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Thursday, January 29 2009, 1:39PM
“Given New Labour's comments in the recent past about speeding up planning decisions, we should confidently expect the application to be waved through pretty much nem con and for the progressive violation of Crystal Palace Park to begin.
It would be unbecoming to imply that MPs, ministers and local councillors, are improperly close to developers and it would be churlish to suggest that this is just a well-choreographed pantomime with an entirely predictable outcome, so I shan't.”