“Our green spaces are safe” council confirms
Some residents have been worried by stories about ‘threats’ to local green spaces, particularly in Upper Norwood. A misunderstanding arose after comments made by an inspector appointed by the Conservative Government. The Council has confirmed there is no threat to any existing green space.
Here is the statement from Cllr Alison Butler, Deputy Leader of the Council:
There is no threat to any of the green spaces in Upper Norwood. All remain fully protected. This includes Upper Norwood Recreation Ground, Beaulieu Heights, and all the other green spaces in the area.
The Local Plan is an official document that shows where the Council will and will not allow new building to take place, and what kind of building is allowed. Croydon Council wanted to create a new category of ‘Local Green Space’ in addition to the existing protection given to green spaces in the borough.
The Government-appointed inspector has not supported this new category. This seems to be the cause of the misunderstanding. He is not supporting the new designation, but this has no impact whatsoever on existing protection for green spaces. They all remain fully protected and no building can take place on them.
Steven Reed is Labour MP for Croydon North and Shadow Minister for Children and Families. In 2018 his private member’s bill on reducing violent mental health restraint became law. In June 2019 he launched Labour’s civil society strategy outlining radical plans to empower citizens and communities.
Steve chairs the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network, co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for London, was Leader of Lambeth Council 2006-12 where he led the council’s children’s services to become best-rated in the country and pioneered the public-health approach to tackling violent youth crime. He worked in publishing for 16 years and was an elected trade union branch secretary.