Many people have asked: “Can they even do this?” - pave over part of Verdin Park for hospital staff parking. The short answer is probably not lawfully, at least not without first jumping through serious legal hoops.

Here’s why.

1. Parks belong to the public
Verdin Park was gifted to the people of Northwich, meaning the land is held in trust for public enjoyment and use. Councils can’t simply hand over or build on land held for public recreation. If they want to repurpose it - even partly - they must legally “appropriate” it under the Local Government Act 1972. That process requires public notices, consultation, and typically approval from the Secretary of State. None of that has happened here.

Example: In 2018, parts of Leeds’ Fearnville Fields were saved from development when it was shown the council hadn’t properly appropriated the land under the Act.

 
2. Open space is protected by planning law
National planning policy (the NPPF, paragraph 99) says open space cannot be built over unless:

• It’s proven to be surplus to requirements, or
• Equivalent or better land is provided elsewhere.

Verdin Park is well-used, central, and clearly not surplus. No replacement land has been offered.

Example: A 2021 plan to build on part of Hove Park in Sussex was dropped after residents pointed out it breached paragraph 99 — the council backed down before it even reached committee.

 
3. NHS bodies are not exempt
Even if the NHS wants to build on council land, it must follow the same laws as everyone else. It can’t simply negotiate behind closed doors. The NHS Constitution binds NHS Trusts to act transparently and, by the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, to consider environmental impact. Paving over community parkland for private staff parking fails both tests.

 
4. This is why it matters
By splitting the hospital expansion (approved April 2023) from the later car-park plan, the Trust avoided having to show the full impact on parking, green space, and traffic. That tactic, known as “salami-slicing,” misleads planners and the public. It’s not just bad behaviour; it undermines the legality of the permission already granted.

 
Verdin Park isn’t “spare land.” It’s public land. And public bodies — whether the NHS or the council — are legally bound to protect it, not trade it away for convenience.

Please share this update.
The more people understand the laws protecting our parks, the harder it becomes for them to be quietly erased.