Greenwich Park approved for London 2012 Equestrian events

25th March 2010

Greenwich Council's Planning Committee approved the temporary use of Greenwich Park for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon events at a public meeting on 23rd March.

The application, which was agreed by the Mayor of London, was presented at Woolwich Town Hall. The democratic process was completed in an open and transparent manner with all parties able to express their views before the Board members, all Councillors working in open forum made their individual comments and then voted.

Once the Olympic and Paralympic Games are over the site will be restored to its former use and condition. An Advisory Group, to include the Council, Royal Parks, English Heritage, Natural England, London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and seconded Members when necessary, will be established to formally oversee the implementation programme and the restoration and enhancement of Greenwich Park.

Cllr Chris Roberts, Leader of Greenwich Council, said: "This decision means we can concentrate on working with LOCOG, Royal Parks and other key stakeholders to deliver a spectacular event in 2012.

"The planning application was subject to extensive consultation and generated a large number of responses. All this feedback has been carefully considered, and a number of planning conditions have been applied to address the issues that were raised.

"We will work closely with LOCOG to ensure these conditions are met and that we safeguard the Park and surrounding area to preserve its unique and special character."

Andrew Finding, Chief Executive of the BEF said: "We have always been 100% supportive of Greenwich as the venue for the equestrian events at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"The granting of planning permission at last nights meeting is very welcome news and we now look forward to seeing the plans develop into a reality. We are very grateful to the residents of Greenwich for the loan of their beautiful park and are confident that LOCOG have every plan in place to protect it, we are also confident that it will be one of the best venues that has ever been seen at an Olympic or Paralympic Games.

"Greenwich Council has been hugely supportive and positive about the plans and we look forward to continuing to work with them on providing a lasting legacy that includes both the equestrian community of Greenwich and beyond."

Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee said: "We are delighted with the outcome of this democratic process and thank the Greenwich Planning Committee and all the people who came out to speak for and against this application.

"The message from tonight is loud and clear. This great Park is on loan to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games and the people of the world.  We must return it to the residents of Greenwich, to Londoners and visitors from the UK and around the world in the same condition, or better, than it was loaned to us. We take this responsibility seriously and will continue to work with the park authorities, resident and park user groups and the people of Greenwich as we develop and implement our plans to stage an extraordinary event in 2012."

The international equestrian federation (FEI) said: "The FEI is thrilled by the decision of the Greenwich Council Planning Authority in regard to the planning application for Greenwich Park. Greenwich Park is a spectacular venue which places equestrian sport right at the heart of the 2012 Olympic Games.

"With just over two years left until the Games open we are looking forward to working with LOCOG to showcase the sport to the world from this spectacular location in London."