Park sell out goes ahead as Secretary of State gives ok for luxury housing on Crystal Palace Park
August 2010

Crystal Palace Park – Local Public Inquiry, 7th July - 8th September 2009.

Following a 6 week local public inquiry last year, and despite concerted opposition, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (the S of S) has endorsed the Inspector's report and is 'minded' to grant permission to the planning application for the LDA Masterplan. The S of S accepts that 'very special circumstances' exist to warrant the sale of public parkland for development of 180 luxury apartments in intrusive blocks of up to 5 storeys.

See (pdfs, open in new window):
Minded To letter and
Inspector's Report

However he has recognised the shortcomings of the S106 legal agreements and has insisted that they be 'reformulated' to ensure "…that capital contribution arising from the housing development are used for Park improvement works". The S of S is allowing until 15 September for the LDA to renegotiate the Section 106 agreement to meet with his requirements. Accordingly his decision will now be issued on or before 6 October.

The CPCA is concerned at the prejudicial nature of the Inspector's report which dismisses, out of hand, much of the CPCA's arguments and evidence, while praising that of those supporting all aspects of the Masterplan.

The Inspector's bias against the CPCA was evident from the pre-inquiry meeting, when he initially refused to have the hearing heard locally. He only reconsidered his decision when made aware by the CPCA of Bromley's disingenuous statement that no local venue was available when, in fact, they had already ascertained that the Salvation Army Hall was free for the period of the inquiry. The Inspector continued with his discrimination by refusing to allow the CPCA, and others, sufficient time to complete 'Proofs of Evidence' - necessary to ensure fairness of the inquiry process.

It is widely recognised that the Inspector's unequivocal approval of the sale of public parkland for private luxury housing, as a funding strategy for Park restoration, WILL set a precedent - one that commercial developers will be only too ready to exploit.

The CPCA is taking appropriate advice and considering its options.

Protesters outside the Public Inquiry, Summer 2009

CPCA Bulletin Summer 2010

What's going on in Crystal Palace? Our regular Bulletin helps keep you up to date with local news, events and features. This latest edition is full of interesting snippets as well as looks at Triangle matters, the CPCA's early years 1969-1973 and whether public money should fund private speculation here in SE19.

Click on the cover to read this edition online. It can also be downloaded as a pdf (2.3M), or for hard copies, please contact the CPCA office. Copies are distributed free to all CPCA members as well as outlets around the Triangle.

Cinema Campaign Update: will KICC appeal?

Last December Bromley Council refused Kingsway International Christian Centre's (KICC) application to change the planning status of 25 Church Road from entertainment/leisure to place of worship. Since then, the Picture Palace Campaign, which supports the reinstatement of a cinema on the site, has been raising funds in anticipation of an appeal. The deadline for such an appeal – Monday 21 June – is now fast approaching.

KICC's planning agent has stated that the church is not going to appeal and has not decided what to do with the building, but is looking into the possibility of turning it into an entertainment venue. The Picture Palace Campaign has stated that in this case it 'would appreciate an opportunity to work with the church to ensure any future developments are discussed with the whole community in mind'.

In the event that the church does submit a last-minute appeal, the Campaign is in the process of instructing a planning barrister.

The Campaign plans to hold another public meeting after the 21 June appeal deadline has passed.

For more details, visit www.picture-palace.org