By Ross Lidbetter

ross.lidbetter@essnmedia.co.uk

Community groups have scored an early victory after it was revealed the Crystal Palace Park public inquiry will be held in Upper Norwood.

At a pre-inquiry meeting early this month, many residents complained that it was being held at Bromley Civic Centre.

But now the venue has been switched to the Salvation Army Hall, in Westow Street, Upper Norwood.

Penge and Cator councillor John Getgood said: "Some of the interested parties felt travelling into Bromley every day was not sensible and I can understand their approach."

The inquiry is due to start on July 7 from 10am and is expected to run for five weeks.

Chris Banks, the inquiry secretariat, confirmed the inquiry venue would remain unchanged throughout.

Mr Banks added: "It is the right thing to move it nearer to the site (Crystal Palace Park) and nearer to where the general public objecting to it are."

The London Development Agency's planning application for the park was given the green light by Bromley Council in December.

It was called in by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears, for independent scrutiny the following month.

The masterplan, put forward by the London Development Agency, includes building up to 180 homes as well as revamping the park.

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