A COMPANY proposing to build a retail, hotel and leisure complex on parkland has hit back at claims it may lack public support.

The Crystal Palace Triangle Planning Group has raised concerns over the amount of public backing behind the New Crystal Palace’s designs to regenerate the area.

Although a planning application will not be submitted for another three or four years, the project proposes restaurants, shops, a cinema, hotel, gym, spa and a tree-lined promenade to be built in Crystal Palace Park.

Chairman of the planning group David Walker has said in a letter sent to parliamentary candidates: “We are very concerned about, unsubstantiated, claims of wide public support for the NCP.

“We would be very surprised indeed if a planning proposal to build a large commercial development with parking for 1,000 cars would not, at the very least, generate significant concern amongst residents, and potentially traders too.”

Ray Hall, managing director of New Crystal Palace Limited says he has received no contact from the planning group.

Mr Hall, architect behind the proposal, said: “I've been working on this for about 14 years and we have had four exhibitions, with each deliberately to get local reaction.

“Until this planning group has emerged, the response has been extraordinary.

“(The New Crystal Palace) is absolutely fundamental to turning a tide of unemployment, youth disaffection and businesses struggling to survive.

“It's to enable the regeneration of a central part of south London. The one thing Crystal Palace needs is positive change.”