Tell us about your favourite local green space – and help give them even more protection

Residents have until Monday to tell us about the importance of their local parks and open green spaces by taking part in a council survey.

We want as many people as possible to get involved in this important survey, which will help our bid to give Croydon’s fantastic green spaces an extra layer of protection.

You can have your say by visiting Get Involved on the council’s website.

The information gathered will be shared with the government planning inspectorate, in an attempt to secure Local Green Space designation.

The open spaces listed are already protected under national policy and the London Plan. Local Green Space designation would give an extra layer of protection against development and could also influence decisions about nearby planning proposals.

We also want to hear from residents about local green spaces they think should be protected and we’re asking them to tell us why they’re special too.

For an area to be designated as a Local Green Space it must meet the following national criteria:

  • it’s reasonably close to the community it services;
  • demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular significance, for example because of its beauty, historic significance, recreational value (including as a playing field), tranquillity or richness of its wildlife; and
  • local in character and is not an extensive tract of land.

Over the past six weeks, more than 6,000 people have taken part to share their views, which will help the council give them the further protection they deserve.

“The response we have had so far has been tremendous and I’d like to thank everyone who has engaged with us on this important issue. When we tried to get this level of protection a few years ago the Government inspector told us it could only be granted through public support for each of these important spaces – we cannot do it without your help.

“If you would like to get involved and tell us about your favourite local green space there’s still time. The more responses we receive, the better the chance of getting additional protection for the spaces that help make our borough the fantastic place it is.

“I think it’s important to note that our parks and green spaces already have really high levels of protection. There are no plans to build on them but the council wants to make sure they are fully protected for future generations to enjoy.”

Councillor Paul Scott, cabinet lead for planning and regeneration

2019-07-18T17:52:16+01:00 July 18th, 2019|Recent news|