On this occasion, the LFGN received a letter from the Friends of Barnard Park, when the Secretary of State called in the regeneration plans (taking the decision out of Local control), however, the public inquiry was avoided when a compromise was reached:
[Islington Council’s] Greenspace has now reached a compromise acceptable to Sport England based on a 9-a-side football pitch, not a 7-a-side football pitch, as was in its proposal. This means that there need not be a Public Inquiry, and also that the regeneration of the park could take place in one phase instead of two (as was previously anticipated). It will allow also the Council to bring forward plans to provide a community hub building that would include new park toilets.. See full post here
Extracts from original letter:
In an extraordinary move, the Secretary of State has ‘called in’ Islington Council’s planning application for regeneration .., taking the decision as to development of the park out of local control.
The regeneration plan developed through years of local consultation, due for planning permission, was opposed by Sport England and football groups, which has resulted in the call In and the requirement for there to be a planning inquiry… Our fear is if we don’t take action that Sport England will ignore other recreational and health activities under its remit to impose its agenda [on parks]… FOBP intend to apply to the planning inspectorate for Rule 6 status at the planning inquiry. I know it is short notice but would the LFGN wish to join with FOBP in such application? see the full post here
