An estimated 1,000+ climbers took part in the official consultation for Crystal Palace, yet there is strong evidence that the majority of their responses were not properly counted, analysed, or even collected.
ACT NOW : Scroll to the bottom for instructions on how to object to this planning application (3 minutes).
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BACKGROUND:
Over a six-month period between 2018 and 2019, customers of the National Sports Centre were invited to provide feedback on the Mayor of London’s plans for the site, forming a primary part of the evidence base for the current redevelopment proposals. Responses could be submitted online or via paper feedback forms deposited in a dedicated “postbox” in the main reception area, prominently displayed and actively promoted on site and online by the GLA and affiliated sports groups.
HERE’S THE ISSUE:
Freedom of Information disclosures now show that, despite approximately 350,000 customer visits and clear evidence of substantial climber participation, only around 150 paper responses were formally recorded, despite 2,000 forms being printed in anticipation of a far higher response.
Of the small number of forms recorded, paper responses were also not analysed in the same way as online submissions and were treated as less important. There is no evidence of even basic keyword analysis being carried out, meaning they were not meaningfully analysed at all. In addition, the dedicated postbox used to collect them was removed around a month before the stated consultation end date, meaning many completed forms were never collected.
WHY IT MATTERS:
This matters because the consultation forms a primary part of the evidence base now being used to justify the planning application. The vast majority of climbing customers chose to respond via paper feedback forms, many calling for a significantly enlarged climbing facility, yet the majority of those responses appear to have gone missing.
There are therefore serious concerns about whether all community views were properly and conscientiously taken into account, as required by established public law principles set out in R v Brent LBC ex parte Gunning. On that basis, the consultation underpinning the planning application may be unlawful and should not be relied upon. A decision of this scale should not proceed on an incomplete or distorted evidence base.
HOW TO OBJECT (3minutes):
Bromley Council will only formally consider objections submitted through the planning portal.
Deadline: Tuesday 31 March
Click on the following link to head to the planning portal: https://planningaccess.bromley.gov.uk/s/detail/a0lTv0000033jGbIAI?tabset-ff68f=2
Click ‘Comment’, complete your details (they must be accurate) and select that you want to object to the application.
Paste the below and edit in your own words:
“I object to this application because it appears to rely on a consultation in which the majority of paper responses were not properly collected, analysed or reflected. This raises serious concerns about whether all community views were conscientiously taken into account, and therefore whether the consultation underpinning the planning application was lawful, as required by established public law principles set out in R v Brent LBC ex parte Gunning. Any decision should be delayed until a full and thorough review has been conducted.
In addition, the proposal does not clearly define or secure a viable climbing facility. The current plans leave the space undefined, with no assurance that a safe, functional and financially viable climbing facility can be delivered. Given strong indications that alternative uses for this space are desired by the GLA, such as ‘climbing’ activities including soft play and Ninja Warrior type attractions, I would respectfully ask the Council to seek further detailed information, or consider attaching an appropriate planning condition to ensure that a safe, functional and financially viable bouldering facility will be delivered as part of the development.”
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If you have ever climbed here, brought your children here, or care about fair public decision-making, act now. After the deadline, this becomes much harder to change. Thank you :)