A survey was undertaken to establish the existing level ofprovision and a deficiency of 3,348 hectares (8,273 acres) wasidentified. This was particularly acute on the eastern side ofLondon as the west has a number of historical parks and openspaces. To redress this imbalance it was proposed that theLocal Authorities purchase land for the provision of openspace and community facilities. Powers to compulsorypurchase land were incorporated into the 1947 Town andCountry Planning Act and subsequently adopted by theLondon 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 theNew Town Act 1946; the statutory protection of the Green Belt;the creation of new parks including the Lee Valley regionalpark and the construction of the M25. The plans inspired manyother city authorities around the world who adopted similarapproaches to strategic and regional planning.Open Space Plan 1943:(The new parks areindicated in dark green)The standard of provision and integration of open space wasa key part of these plans, identified at the strategic and local levels for the existing and predicted future population ofGreater London. These standards were to be applied to neighbourhoods based on a population of 1,000 people providingboth sports facilities and passive recreation with a total areaof 4 hectares (10 acres) including 1.2 hectares (3 acres) forlocal school playing fields. Although not included in this specific provision, allotments were also to be provided for newhousing developments. A system of 'Parkways' and footpathnetworks connecting green space to and around the boundaries of neighbourhood communities was also suggested.The banks and hinterland along rivers and streams within theconurbation were to be part of this network. Along the mainarterial roads, space was to be allocated to create corridorsof 'green'and in places accommodating footpaths and cycleroutes. The open space system included existing commonsand heaths and the outer green belt.The County of London Plan included proposals for the areasidentified with a deficit of open space such as East Londonaround Stepney within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.Here, as part of future communities, a network of parks andopen space were identified including a new park at Mile End.This linear open space would link the existing Victoria Park tothe River Thames as well as incorporate the Grand UnionCanal and towpath so providing greater pedestrian access.The 32 hectare (79 acre) park was to be created from thepurchase and reclamation of industrial and derelict landtogether with the demolition of small areas of poor quality andbomb damaged housing.New open spaces forEast London County of Londonplan 1943:The new parks are indicated inlighter grey3
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