Residents unite to save playground

3:25pm Thursday 4th September 2008

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RESIDENTS are forming a campaign group to stop building work being carried out on the site of a children's playground.

A group of people living at Harold Gibbons Court in Victoria Way, Charlton, are launching their campaign following a High Court case on July 31.

At the High Court, it was ruled Greenwich Council had acted unlawfully in not consulting residents over the granting of planning permission to build a three-storey block of flats on the children's recreation area.

According to the group's solicitors, Pierce Glynn, residents had been told by their landlords, Charlton Triangle Homes, the play area would be refurbished.

But after work started in January the residents discovered the play area would be demolished when the block was built.

It is also claimed by the solicitors the building is being built just 8m from the Harold Gibbons Court block, contrary to the planning permission granted.

The case at the High Court was launched by residents against the landlords and Greenwich Council, which granted permission for the project last March.

Residents are forming a group to call a halt to the building work and to campaign for better play equipment and a replacement play area for the children on the estate.

Pierce Glynn solicitor Polly Glynn said: "It is shocking Greenwich Council and Charlton Triangle Homes could have agreed to sell off and build on a recreational ground and children's play area.

"It is more shocking this decision was made without making sure everyone on the estate knew exactly what the proposals were, and making sure their views were taken into account."

A spokesman for Greenwich Council said: "Planning permission was not ruled to be unlawful.

"The development will proceed as planned."

Charlton Triangle Homes was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.