In a letter to the Friends of Greenwich Park, the Greenwich , Blackheath and Westcombe Societies, LOCOG re-iterated the following points:


LOCOG has also laid out the timetable for what happens next in its plans. Technical site assessments and feasibility studies are currently being carried out, but once these have been completed LOCOG will share its plans with local residents and the equestrian world. In 2009 there will be a process of local consultation, more detailed design development work and an Environmental Impact Assessment will be carried out. This will examine the impact of transport, traffic, archaeology, ecology, noise, air quality and landscape on the area.

There will then be a formal planning application made to the London Borough of Greenwich Planning Authority for the overlay to be installed. This is likely to be heard in late 2009. Prior to this public meetings and exhibitions will be held which will be advertised in the local media.

'We understand concerns about Greenwich Park but believe it will be a stunning venue in 2012 with unique features such as the Meridian Line.' said Jackie Brock-Doyle, LOCOG’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs. 'We want to work with local residents and Greenwich Council to make sure the local community gets involved in our plans. The events in 2012 will profile Greenwich to the world, and bring sport to the inner city. We look forward to meeting the Friends of Greenwich Park and others over the next few weeks to begin a positive dialogue with them.'

– Ends –

Note to Editors:

Greenwich Park was selected by the London 2012 Bid Committee to host equestrian events for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games and for the riding and running element of the Modern Pentathlon in the Olympic Games. It is a stunning venue with views over Canary Wharf and the city of London and is close to the Olympic Park and Village – the centrepiece of the Games. This was a key requirement of the International Olympic Committee when they made their choice of the host city for 2012.

For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 100 or visit the website at www.london2012.com. Find out the latest from London 2012 HQ on our blog.

• That it is committed to working with local residents and Park users and to take into account residents’ views.
• That it understands the unique characteristics of the Park, and a responsibility to protect the ecology and the historic nature of the site, and it is currently carrying out ecological, arboricultural and archaeological assessments with the Royal Parks.
• It has made a commitment during the Bid phase to the Royal Parks guaranteeing to return the Park after the Games in the state in which it was received.
• It is committed to minimising disruption to the Park, and is not planning to damage or remove trees that contribute to the heritage and ecological value of the site. It will minimise disruption to the Park by installing the temporary overlay required section by section and use portable jumps where possible so that large areas of the Park can stay open.
• Likewise the aim is to minimise where possible any requirement to change the normal road usage in Greenwich.
• LOCOG has also pointed out that the Park does meet the Olympic course requirements for the cross-country part of the Equestrian events, and that it has the endorsement of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and the British Equestrian Federation (BEF). It also has the full support of Greenwich Council.