AMBITIOUS plans to transform Crystal Palace Park by building 180 flats and sports facilities on the 200-acre site have been approved.

Communities and local government secretary Eric Pickles endorsed a report by the planning inspectorate which recommended planning permission for the £67.5m London Development Agency Masterplan.

Today’s announcement follows a five-week inquiry into the redevelopment held last July after Bromley Council gave the go ahead to the plans in December 2008.

As well as residential flats, the proposal includes a new regional sports centre, a restored cricket pitch and tidal lakes.

However the plans have not been without controversy.

More than 7,000 people signed an original petition objecting to the loss of the green space, with more than 1,000 residents’ letters of objection logged during the planning application process.

The Crystal Palace Park Community Association have been at the forefront of groups opposing the plans.

Chairman John Payne said: "We still need to see what conditions have been put in place.

"But its a sad day for the future of our parks as the principal of selling of parkland as a means of funding them is a short-sighted act."

An LDA spokesman said: "The London Development Agency has always believed its masterplan for Crystal Palace Park is balanced and well conceived. The masterplan proposes a way to improve the Park and increase the amount of green, open space available.

"The Secretary of State’s decision supports that view. We will now explore with the London Borough of Bromley and the neighbouring boroughs to begin the process to turn the masterplan into action."