My View: Michael Warwick (From Streatham Guardian)

My View: Michael Warwick

8:30am Sunday 24th June 2012 in News

The Crystal Palace Community Association (CPCA) although disappointed by HH Justice Keith’s rejection of its challenge to the Secretary of State’s approval of the London Development Agency (LDA) Materplan application, is not discouraged but more determined than ever to save Crystal Palace Park from commercial development.

The CPCA notes although HH Justice Keith finds there is “...very strong presumption against development on such land”, he also finds “...very special circumstances which were sufficient to outweigh this” – something the CPCA rejects.

The CPCA finds reference by Bromley to “difficult decisions having to be made”

and to “opportunities for investment” under proposals for a trust or body to manage Crystal Palace Park to be ominous allusions to commercial development or inappropriate usage of a park that has always provided green open space for recreation, relaxation and other public enjoyment.

In claiming local stakeholder support for the Masterplan, Bromley are ignoring the 7000 plus signature petition against housing in Crystal Palace park raised by the CPCA in just a few weeks.

There will be massive public opposition and demonstration against residential and other commercial development in the park, should the threat become a reality.

Mike Warwick, Crystal Palace Community Association