The CPCA has been granted ‘Rule 6’ status by the Planning Inspectorate at the forthcoming local Public Inquiry into the LDA Crystal Palace Park Masterplan applications. Rule 6 gives the CPCA similar status as Bromley and the LDA (the developer) at the Inquiry and the opportunity to question witnesses and others, and test evidence. The CPCA has prepared a ‘statement of case’ and written ‘proofs of evidence’ and awaits confirmation of the date and venue of the Inquiry. A public inquiry is an adversarial forum similar to a court of law. The public can attend as observers, although this will not affect the inquiry’s outcome as the Inspector can only…

Following European Court ruling that Bromley had failed to instruct Environmental Impact Assessment prior to the proposed development of a 20-screen cinema multiplex in Crystal Palace Park, the CPCA wrote on numerous occasions to Doug Patterson, Bromley Chief Executive, requesting confirmation of the costs awarded against them. His refusal to answer CPCA letters throughout 2008 resulted in a letter advising him of our intention to resort to the Freedom of Information Act. The CPCA has now received confirmation that costs have been quantified at £275,000, which will be met by Bromley’s suffering council taxpayers. Costs awarded against the UK Government are still unknown.

In Autumn 2006 the CPCA highlighted the massive UNLAWFUL internally illuminated advertising sign, erected by Outdoor Plus Ltd, in the Triangle Conservation Area, on the frontage of Jack Beard’s pub at the top of Anerley Hill – a sign used twice by Mayor Livingstone. Two years later, Bromley served an enforcement notice, following refusal of planning permission, for the removal of the sign, as covered in our Spring 2008 newsletter. Bromley inform us that Outdoor Plus Ltd has appealed the planning decision, and an informal hearing originally scheduled for 9 December 2008 with Inspector Bowden, in Bromley Civic Centre Committee Rooms, was deferred to January 2009 and again to 5…

Sunday’s overnight heavy snow kept many away from work and school, with the early morning quiet giving way to activity as people looked to take advantage of Christmas card conditions. We’d love to make a gallery of Crystal Palace under snow, please send your photos to us at cpca@onetel.com.

“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! 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…