29 January 2009:
Government calls in Park plans

"I regard the LDA's proposals as crass, unnecessary and provocative ... including housing proposals in Crystal Palace Park is unacceptable."
The Rt Hon Lord Warner of Brockley

LDA Masterplan proposals including sale of protected Crystal Palace Parkland to build nearly 200 private luxury homes have been called in for examination by the Secretary of State. A ‘local inquiry’ will be held by a Government appointed Inspector.

From this.. to this!

LDA illustration of the 'Rockhills' housing

Bromley Council approved the LDA 'Masterplan' in December 2008 despite the application conflicting with their planning policies and the Mayor's London Plan. The proposed sale of parkland for housing is widely publicly opposed and by all four neighbouring boroughs who recognise the precedent that would be set.

The letter to Bromley from the Government Office for London states: "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 CPCA welcomes the call-in, as for the first time proper scrutiny may be applied to the LDA’s Masterplan application. Despite reassurances from the LDA that there would be no further sale of parkland for additional homes, there is no such provision within the application.

The Rt Hon Lord Warner of Brockley, in supporting opposition to the application, described LDA proposals as "crass, unnecessary and provocative" and that "...including housing proposals in Crystal Palace Park is unacceptable."

Crystal Palace scheme ‘worst planning decision’ of the year 23 February 2009

Dodgy Planning Award 2009, awarded to Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson’s go-ahead for a plan to build luxury homes on a section of Crystal Palace Park has received an award for the worst planning decision of the year by London Assembly Member Darren Johnson.

>> Dodgy Planning Award '09

"By refusing to block the building of 180 luxury flats on a park, the Mayor has set a dangerous precedent that puts all London’s green spaces at risk."
Darren Johnson London Assembly member & Lewisham councillor

"It is not appropriate that parkland is being sold for housing."
Cllr Jason Perry, Croydon Cabinet Member for Planning 18.9.08

See also:

Croydon Advertiser - Controversial Crystal Palace Park plans called in by Government (29/01/09) with further quotes from CPCA chairman John Payne

CPCA - Park Plans Called In Press Release (30/01/09)

Government Office for London - Letter to Bromley (28/01/09)(PDF 1.2MB)

Evening Standard - Park-ed plans (12/02/09)

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