Our parks are put at risk by those protecting them (From Croydon Guardian)

Our parks are put at risk by those protecting them

3:05pm Tuesday 11th November 2008 in

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Many will remember the fight against the multiplex cinema, promoted by Bromley as a 'new' Crystal Palace.

The plan was so unpopular that a 50,000-signature petition was given to Downing Street while potential operators were picketed and eco-protesters occupied the hilltop site.

Eventually the scheme collapsed in controversy and litigation, with Bromley Council still awaiting the cost of its legal action.

More recently, the Crystal Palace Community Association (CPCA) fought successfully to preserve the Metropolitan Open Land status (MOL) of the park’s hilltop after Bromley attempted to remove this protection.

The CPCA’s elected committee has carefully considered the Ray Hall scheme for a 250-bed hotel, conference centre, retail units and non-specific leisure usage, on the same area of public parkland. It concluded that it would be just as damaging to the park and the surrounding area as the previous proposal, if not more so.

To date, Mr Hall has failed to provide a business plan, transport or environmental assessment or submitted a planning application.

The CPCA continues to recruit new members who are fully aware of CPCA objection to the Ray Hall scheme, but it is concerned by the apparent support of leaders of Bromley and Croydon councils, Councillors Stephen Carr and Mike Fisher, for building this commercial operation on MOL.

It would seem our parks and open green spaces continue to be at risk from development – sanctioned by those who are tasked with protecting it.

JOHN PAYNE
Chairman Crystal Palace Community Association