A pair of councillors locked horns yesterday over a far-reaching masterplan for Crystal Palace Park.
The London Development Agency put forward ambitious £67m plans for Crystal Palace Park in 2007 and a Government inquiry into the redevelopment has now entered its fourth week.
Penge and Cator councillor John Getgood told the public inquiry at the Salvation Army Hall in Upper Norwood that many local residents had told him they were “fed up with delays” to the project.
The Labour politician said: “They see the park as run down. They think we are not prepared to give them the facilities they deserve.
“We are talking about one of the most deprived areas of Bromley, they need these facilities. They deserve these facilities.”
But the Crystal Palace Community Association (CPCA) questioned Coun Getgood about a lack of documentation detailing residents’ views, instead choosing to highlight their own 7,000 signature petition against the proposals.
Coun Getgood argued: “Is the greater good going to come from approving this application? I believe it overwhelmingly will.”
The masterplan proposals, approved by Bromley Council in December, include blueprints for a new regional sports centre, 180 residential flats, a restored cricket pitch and tidal lakes.
Crystal Palace councillor Tom Papworth warned that while he generally supported the plans, some residents in Anerley Hill could see their property devalued if the new college building resulted in the loss of the green in nearby Ledrington Road.
The Lib Dem explained: “What they’re facing is a building eliminating what has effectively been their back garden.
“I am extremely uncomfortable that small groups can have their interests discarded because it is in the interest of the wider good.”
CPCA chairman John Payne told the inquiry the final cost of the “grandiose” masterplan could top £114m, adding: “There is little evidence of careful thought. Much is to be lost.”
The inquiry is expected to last six weeks.
Find more details of the masterplan at crystalpalacepark.org.
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