Key information
Petition presented by: Jenny Jones
Date petition submitted: Wednesday 9 December 2009
Petition presented at: London Assembly Plenary
Summary of petition
“We protest against the holding of the 2012 Olympic equestrian events in Greenwich Park because of:
• The risk of accidental damage to the bio-diversity features and archaeology of the Park from preparation of the course as well as the events themselves;
• The social injustice of closing the most accessible parts of the Park for 6-8 months and the whole Park for 6-8 weeks;
• The severe disruption from road closures and other restrictions on the lives of those who live, work and run businesses near the Park or in the town centre;
• The cost saving of £50m and legacy benefits to be gained from the use of an existing equestrian venue instead of Greenwich Park which is too small and unsuitable for an event of this nature.”
Response information
Name of person responding: The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson
Response date: Tuesday 22 December 2009
“I am aware of the concerns raised by some local residents about the use of the park during the Games.
The London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games has now submitted a planning application to Greenwich Council for the use of the park. As the application may be referable under the Town and Country Planning (Mayor of London) 2008 order, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the application at this time.
Advice will be sought from a number of quarters during the determination of the planning application, as is normal procedure.”