Local campaigners oppose plans to sell off half of the derelict nursery site at West Ham Park, reports Aidan White

An image of derelict greenhouses behind chain link fence — The derelict nursery site. Image courtesy Friends of West Ham Park

Plans to develop the nursery site in West Ham Park are currently under a public consultation being run by the City of London. Campaigners are urging residents to protest over using park land to build new homes.

The West Ham Park Trees Not Towers campaign says the City, which is the trustee of the park, plans to sell off half of the derelict nursery site to build residential blocks of flats. The other half of the site would remain part of the park.

The campaign says the nursery site, in the north-east of the Grade 2 listed park, covers an area that has always been part of the park. Previously, it was used to grow and supply plants for use in other garden sites held by the City of London but was shut down several years ago.

Campaigners argue against any residential development, saying the nursery site should be retained wholly as part of the park because there is already not enough green space in Newham for the Borough’s growing population.

They also criticise the City for allowing the site to become derelict. “For decades the nursery site earned an income allowing the City to reduce its financial support of the park. Having taken the benefit over previous years the City should now pay to restore the site,” they say.

Finally, campaigners complain about the online consultation itself calling for a more extensive opportunity for residents to have their say.

Access the online consultation at: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ things-to-do/green-spaces/ west-ham-park/west-hampark-old-nursery-site

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