Green light for Greenwich

Greenwich Council’s planning board voted 10-2 in favour of LOCOG’s application to hold the 2012 equestrian and modern pentathlon events in Greenwich Park, after a four and a half hour public meeting.

Sebastian Coe stressed that London 2012 would abide by all the 42 conditions for using the space, outlined by the planning board.

“We are delighted with the outcome of the democratic process, [we understand that] the park is on loan to the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the people of the world,” he said. “We must return it to the residents of Greenwich, to Londoners and visitors from the UK and around the world in the same condition, or better, than it was loaned to us.”

An advisory Group, including the council, Royal Parks, English Heritage, Natural England and LOCOG, is to be set up to oversee implementation of the plans and restoration afterwards.