|
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
11 Feb 2004 - 31 Dec 2004 Mayor backs down over historic Richmond view Richmond Park One of London's most ancient and amazing views has been saved from being axed. Original drafts of the Mayor's London Plan had ignored the 300-year-old strategic view from atop King Henry VIII's Mound in Richmond Park to St Paul's Cathedral, over 10 miles away. The Mayor had also publicly said the view didn't exist but now his final Plan says that it not only exists but it must be protected. William Weston, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks said, 'The Royal Parks are absolutely delighted that the Mayor has listened to our concerns and those of James Batten, the man who rediscovered the view, as well as the Richmond Society and other locals who wanted to save this historic view.' The London Plan, published at midday on 10th February 2004, has designated the view as part of the London View Protection Framework. According to this the Mayor will, and boroughs should, normally refuse all development within the landmark viewing corridors, above threshold heights. However, the plan does say that 'the objective of the viewing corridors is to preserve the ability to see the landmark as a focus of the view but not to control their setting and they may be narrower than the existing Strategic Views'. Simon Richards, Park Manager of Richmond Park, 'This is great news for the Park and the thousands of visitors who come to see the view. But we'll continue to defend the view from being reduced or narrowed in the future.' The view to St Paul's was established soon after the completion of St Paul's Cathedral in 1710 (the previous cathedral had been destroyed in 1666's Great Fire of London). King Henry VIII's Mound stands within the public gardens of Pembroke Lodge, Richmond Park and is the highest point in the Park. Looking east from the Mound you can see St Paul's Cathedral over 10 miles away. Looking west you see a magnificent panorama of the Thames Valley. To see the cathedral you look through a special gap in the holly hedging, down a specially maintained clear avenue in Sidmouth Wood and then all the way across London. The view was temporarily 'lost' during WWII when many of the gardeners and park workers were called up. Trees grew across the avenue in Sidmouth Wood and the holly hedge spread over the gap. It was 'rediscovered' by Mr James Batten in 1976. - ENDS - Source: The Royal Parks The Royal Parks Press Office, T: 0300 061 2128 E: press@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk Editor's notes: According to the Transcript of Planning and Spatial Development Committee (item 5) on 18th July 2002, the Mayor said 'Can you stand there and see it' Because I can't. What's the point of a street and community which only exists on the map' You can't see St Paul's from there.' See Evening Standard (City Prices, 6th March, page 22) for the proof that you can easily see it with the naked eye. See Table 4B.2 and Policies 4B.16 and 4B.17 for the relevant sections of the London Plan. Richmond Park is London's largest Site of Special Scientific Interest, a National Nature Reserve, a candidate European Special Area of Conservation and a Grade 1 Listed landscape. Species records for the Park include 49 grasses, rush and sedges; over 250 fungi; more than 1000 beetles; 546 butterflies and moths; 139 spiders; 144 birds; and 25 mammals. Millions of Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks for free each year. The 5,000 acres of carefully conserved historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of the capital. The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park (with Primrose Hill), Richmond Park and St James's Park. |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
 |
||||||||
