‘We’ll go all the way’

12:09pm Tuesday 12th August 2003

KIDBROOKE residents locked in a battle to save their playing fields will push for a public inquiry if consultations fail to take on their demands.

If adopted, the Kidbrooke Vision would create 4,400 new homes, a new transport interchange at the railway station, two new schools, a medical centre, shops and community facilities.

Survey forms on the £550 million scheme asking residents for their views on proposals to build on at least four out of the area’s five playing fields, including Huntsman’s Manor Playing Field, Crofton Albion Sports Ground, Greenwich Football Club Playing Field, Blackheath Park Playing Field and Rochester Way Open Space, had to be completed by last week.

Residents say they will demand a public inquiry if Greenwich Council pushes forward with proposals to build on community open space at Rochester Way.

Jim Brasford, chairman of the Norman Hurst Residents’ Association, said: “What is needed is a public inquiry where the relevant facts can be impartially scrutinised thereby ending the constant flow of biased propaganda.” The council proposes to bring together some existing open spaces into one large area of green space linking Sutcliffe Park to Thomas Tallis School via a landscaped pedestrian bridge over the railway line.

But Mr Brasford says residents using Rochester Way Open Space would have to travel more than a mile to Sutcliffe Park. He also says planners are obsessed with getting the maximum number of homes.

He added: “Only one third of the current 1,960 Ferrier residents wish to return to the area once it is pulled down and rebuilt.

“Why do 4,400 houses need to be built where lesser numbers want to live?” Kidbrooke Action Group chairman Albert Castle agrees.

He said: “We will go all the way if we have to.” The council will consider residents’ views in the autumn and will consult them again on any major changes.

A Government-appointed inspector could then call a public inquiry either off his own back or if residents ask him to do so.

Greenwich Council deputy leader Councillor Peter Brooks said: “Any plan which seeks to transform an area will inevitably have to strike a balance between the need for housing and the environment.”

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