New Addington car park could be listed as 'village green'
A PROPOSAL has been put forward to register an area as a Village Green – despite the fact it is currently being used as a car park.
New Addington resident Michael Fuller has put in a planning application to register the car park and paved ares on Central Parade as an official Village Green, meaning that if permission is granted, the space can only be used for "recreational pastimes and community gatherings by local residents".
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The paved areas and car parks on Central Parade
Croydon Council received the proposals on October 14 and a consultation period has been started.
In his application, Mr Fuller said: "The land of this application was conveyed to Croydon Council at no cost before the Second World War with the council covenanting to use this land for public purposes and open space.
"Since the 1950s this land has been used for free unrestricted public use for both minor recreational pastimes and large community gatherings."
The news of the new application comes three years to the day that plans for an £80 million regeneration project were scuppered under the same principle.
Supermarket giant Tesco had agreed to take over green space on Central Parade in 2008.
But a group of residents did not want to see the plans for a new supermarket, 250 affordable homes, a swimming pool, library, community halls, neighbourhood police base and medical facilities, come to fruition.
However the deal fell through when Mr Fuller, along with a group of other residents, looked into the history of the area and made an application for the land to be classed as a Village Green, meaning no development could be built.
His application hinged on an old covenant made by Henry Boot of the First National Housing Trust Ltd.
The covenant states that when the ownership of the land in Central Parade was transferred to Croydon Council in 1939, it was agreed it could only be used for recreational purposes.
The application to turn the space into a Village Green caused controversy at the time, and the council had to hold a full investigation into the area before it agreed and classed the area as an official Village Green.
The consultation period into the plans to add more areas to the Village Green is being held until January 20.
Visit www.croydon.gov.uk to have your say.
61 Comments
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by Jusu
Friday, February 17 2012, 3:23PM
“This would be of great benefit to the residents of New Addington.”
by tbabygib
Tuesday, November 15 2011, 12:27AM
“Naddchap, Have you tried anything? or are you just going to let it be?,,,333 Do you have details of how many staff are working there at anyone time?.....I Know a few people are going down that route, But are keeping their cards close to there chest, Because there are quite a few runners, from what I understand the last "remaining 5 members of the comity, are running scared,"( AS they are the ones the people want out.!) "don't quote me on that" (as it is hearsay). The members, have had enough, The lack of repair and the indifference of the people who run the place,is coming to a head. (Again Hearsay) so don't quote me. I, Just keep my ears open and eyes wide, Gob shut, Until the right time...!!!!!!”
by tbabygib
Wednesday, November 09 2011, 12:58PM
“333, I Really don't have the answer to that, Wish I did....All I can say is 2 people have to back you, I don't know if you have to be a member to go to the meeting, The club is clicky, But I think that might be that most grew up together...or families for generations. I think that you only have to want to change the comity, People will back you...”
by Krystal333
Tuesday, November 08 2011, 10:38PM
“NaddChap - think you're beginning to appreciate what a closed shop that place really is. I did some reading up on the Charities Commission website ( 302976 - ADDINGTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ) - seems there are enough wages being paid, so why do they have to close at short notice? From the last full year accounts (this years being 101 days overdue) seems they give Mr Fuller a pat on the back for saving them from a prefab (whilst the new ACA was being built only, may I add) - do they realise just how many people they affected for the worse, or too busy thinking of themselves .....
tbabygib - If membership itself is so difficult to get, how exactly are enough people supposed to get to vote and "infiltrate the system" and change things?! Closed shop on a private drinking bar”
by tbabygib
Tuesday, November 08 2011, 7:11PM
“Mind you, Don't Quote me on the Hours or the price's. They may not be right, But are around about there.!!!!!!!!”
by tbabygib
Tuesday, November 08 2011, 5:02PM
“The Members bar is open from 12.30 to 15.30 then 19.30 to 23.00, Monday to Thursday, Friday is from 12.30 to 23.00, Sunday 12.30 to 15.30, then 19.00/19.30 to 22.00. And thats Bingo night. Yippee !. The bar is situated on the left hand side of the building, It costs 50p for non members. Just say you want to be a member and someone/ in fact you need 2 people to back you. Membership fees will cost is about £10.00/£12.00 or about £6.00 for OAP...... But at very short Notice they close it, due to staffing problems. And they Change the hours Willy nilly. But you have to remember that the Board is mainly family, so they can do what they like and sod the rest of us that pay membership. There are No refunds for Closed days or Changed Hours. It Needs Change, New Blood and some people with Bal*s to get it up and running. and inviting.”
by NaddChap
Tuesday, November 08 2011, 4:29PM
“Hmm, just been over there to take a look... Not exactly a "Community association", more of a community hall that runs a handful of activities for pensioners and kids...
I see what you mean about not thinking it stands for "Community association"...
A quick and easy way to register objections to the village green you say? Do tell more....”
by NaddChap
Tuesday, November 08 2011, 3:30PM
“oh, so how on earth does a person get invited to become a member? Seems a great way for existing folk to keep things the same and let nobody else in to their "Old boys club" as it were..”
by Krystal333
Saturday, November 05 2011, 10:31AM
“NaddChap the letters do spell out Addington Community Association ..... but I personally don't think it stands for that ;)
I hope I'm wrong, but I think you have to be 'invited' to become a member to then get the right to vote. I hope you'll report back as I'll be interested to hear how you get on.
Re a way to stop this latest application - keep your eyes open along the Parade shortly - have a feeling there will be a quick and easy way to register your opposition.”
by NaddChap
Friday, November 04 2011, 11:44PM
“Can somebody clarify exactly what the ACA is, as I thought or think it stands for "Addington Community Association" or something similar...”