landscape matters volume 5 - Flipbook - Page 26
A survey was undertaken to establish the existing level of
provision and a deficiency of 3,348 hectares (8,273 acres) was
identified. This was particularly acute on the eastern side of
London as the west has a number of historical parks and open
spaces. To redress this imbalance it was proposed that the
Local Authorities purchase land for the provision of open
space and community facilities. Powers to compulsory
purchase land were incorporated into the 1947 Town and
Country Planning Act and subsequently adopted by the
London County Council and later The Greater London Council.
recommendations were realised in the following decades:
with the creation of eight new towns, under the powers of the
New Town Act 1946; the statutory protection of the Green Belt;
the creation of new parks including the Lee Valley regional
park and the construction of the M25. The plans inspired many
other city authorities around the world who adopted similar
approaches to strategic and regional planning.
Open Space Plan 1943:
(The new parks are
indicated in dark green)
The standard of provision and integration of open space was
a key part of these plans, identified at the strategic and local levels for the existing and predicted future population of
Greater London. These standards were to be applied to neighbourhoods based on a population of 1,000 people providing
both sports facilities and passive recreation with a total area
of 4 hectares (10 acres) including 1.2 hectares (3 acres) for
local school playing fields. Although not included in this specific provision, allotments were also to be provided for new
housing developments. A system of 'Parkways' and footpath
networks connecting green space to and around the boundaries of neighbourhood communities was also suggested.
The banks and hinterland along rivers and streams within the
conurbation were to be part of this network. Along the main
arterial roads, space was to be allocated to create corridors
of 'green'and in places accommodating footpaths and cycle
routes. The open space system included existing commons
and heaths and the outer green belt.
The County of London Plan included proposals for the areas
identified with a deficit of open space such as East London
around Stepney within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
Here, as part of future communities, a network of parks and
open space were identified including a new park at Mile End.
This linear open space would link the existing Victoria Park to
the River Thames as well as incorporate the Grand Union
Canal and towpath so providing greater pedestrian access.
The 32 hectare (79 acre) park was to be created from the
purchase and reclamation of industrial and derelict land
together with the demolition of small areas of poor quality and
bomb damaged housing.
New open spaces for
East London County of London
plan 1943:
The new parks are indicated in
lighter grey
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