Plans to build flats on the old nursery site in West Ham Park will go ahead without further consultation, the City of London Corporation has told local campaigners who oppose the scheme.

Representatives of the Friends of West Ham Park were recently invited to a presentation by the Corporation, trustees of the park, outlining proposals to redevelop land on the edge of the park that was previously the site of now disused nurseries.

A statement on the Friends website stresses that the representatives made sure the Corporation was aware of the strength of feeling against the scheme locally – MP Lyn Brown is among those who have expressed their concerns.

“We made it clear to the City of London that the Friends of West Ham Park are totally opposed to this proposal and that all of the nursery site should be retained as part of the park and open to public use.”

However, the Corporation was adamant that the decision to build flats will go ahead to generate income for the park, and that the only consultation with the community will be around what happens to the 50 per cent of the site that is to be made available for public amenities, such as a cafe.

A series of public consultation events will be held around the park over the coming year before a final ‘master plan’ is agreed by the Corporation next summer 2023.

Campaigners claim the park – the biggest in Newham – provided a lifeline during the lockdown, attracting more local people than ever, in what is already “a densely populated area” that can ill afford to lose green space.

In June last year, the Corporation’s West Ham Park Committee approved plans to begin marketing the site to invite developers to submit bids for further consideration. It is believed they will finally choose their development partner shortly.

West Ham Park is a charitable trust funded principally by the City of London Corporation, together with grants, trading income, donations, and sponsorship.

The Friends says they are considering the latest situation before deciding on their next move. They are appealing to local people for support, particularly from those with expertise in campaigns, marketing and media.

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