Equestrian 2012 Olympic venue planning permission submitted

Details of how the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) plans to transform Greenwich Park into a top-class equestrian venue have been unveiled.

LOCOG submitted a planning application for the use of the park to Greenwich Council, and expects a decision by March 2011.

Among the key elements detailed in the application are requests to build a 23,000-seat temporary arena, 6km cross-country course, stabling and spectator facilities.

At the same time, local pressure group No to Greenwich Olympic Equestrian Events (NOGOE) issued a further challenge to the plans.

It claims LOCOG’s use of nearby Blackheath (for additional stabling) contravenes the Metropolitan Commons Act 1866, which rules that Blackheath must be open to the public at all times.

If permission is granted, work will begin on the temporary structures in Greenwich during April 2012.

The 180-acre park will be shut to the public from 6 July until 3 August, before some sections re-open while the Modern Pentathlon and then the Paralympic dressage take place.

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