Locog submit planning application for Greenwich Park, but problems persist

LORD Sebastian Coe is confident London 2012 organisers will get the go ahead to stage equestrian events in Greenwich Park - and insists it will be returned to its previous state after the Games.

STUMBLING BLOCKS: An artist impression of what the controversial London 2012 equestrian site will look like

Locog have officially submitted their application for planning permission to Greenwich Council to host the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events and modern pentathlon events in 2012.

They claim that market research proves nearly 85 per cent of Greenwich residents support the park being used as a London 2012 venue, providing it is not closed for more than six weeks and is returned in the condition it was received.

The move has been met by considerable opposition including the group No to Greenwich Olympic Equestrian Events - led by historian Dr David Starkey, who described the choice to use the park as ‘monstrous'.

Earlier this year, Locog were forced to reduce the proposed length of time that the park would be closed from eight weeks to six weeks.

But Coe remains adamant the needs of the Greenwich community have been taken into account in the planning application.

"Greenwich Park is one of London's treasures, and it will be a wonderful sporting venue for the world to enjoy in the summer of 2012," said Coe.

"Leading international Equestrian competitors are looking forward to competing in this unique setting in the heart of the Olympic City of London, and there are unparalleled opportunities for local people of all ages to get involved, with many benefits for the community. 

"We take our responsibilities seriously - we know the people of Greenwich love their beautiful Park, and we have spent considerable time developing our plans to make sure we protect it.

"Our planning application shows the lengths we are going to in order to make sure we return the Park to The Royal Parks and the local community in the condition in which we will gratefully receive it."

But while Coe remains confident with regards to the application, on which a decision is expected by Greenwich Council's Planning Board by March next year, there remains a potential stumbling block.

The plan to host the equestrian in Greenwich Park includes the use nearby Blackheath Common as a 26-acre operational compound for keeping horse, stables and training facilities.   

Opponents have uncovered the Metropolitan Commons Act of 1866, which says the authorities 'shall not entertain an application for the inclosure of a metropolitan common, or any part thereof'.

The Act was specifically extended to include Blackheath in 1871 and Neil Rhind, a local historian and solicitor Lionel Lewis have written to the London Borough of Greenwich's chief executive Mary Ney to highlight the legislation.

Meanwhile, Mark Camley, chief executive of The Royal Parks, added: "We welcome the opportunity to host the equestrian and modern pentathlon events in Greenwich Park in 2012.

"Our priority is to protect the Park's historic and natural environment for the enjoyment of current users and future generations.

"We are working with Locog to ensure any impact to the Park and Park users is minimised and are assured that Locog has publicly committed to returning the Park to its pre-Games condition."