Addington Green

In June last year a scheme known as "Land To The Western Side Of Central Parade" in New Addington got permission at committee. The consent was for 251 flats, office space, a leisure centre, community centre, health centre and a library...oh yes and 7,230 sq m gross of retail superstore. Applicant Tesco, local traders not happy. But in a move reminiscent of the Liberty of Norton Folgate story the locals formed an action group Addington Community Association (ACA) and went in search of some ancient legislation.

Skirting the application site is a car park with a narrow strip of grass running along its perimeter. It's not much, but as far as the law goes, it's enough. What ACA has done is use an obscure 19th century law set up to protect areas of greenery in village centres and elevated these few tufts of grass on Central Parade to full village green status. As a village green the site is now protected from development. A happy Ron Sealey, ACA president said:

"I don't want to gloat but this has restored my faith in the system"

A less than happy Croydon Councillor Mike Fisher said the 'green' was nothing more than a:

"dog toilet"

Links here ,here and here.