GREENWICH PARK - CONSERVATION PLAN 2019-2029 GPR_DO_17.0
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CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD Greenwich Park is England’s oldest enclosed public park, a Grade1 listed landscape that forms two thirds of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. The parks essential character is created by its dramatic topography juxtaposed with its grand formal landscape design. Its sense of place draws on the magnificent views of sky and river, the modern docklands panorama, the City of London and the remarkable Baroque architectural ensemble which surrounds the park and its established associations with time and space. Still in its 1433 boundaries, with an ancient deer herd and a wealth of natural and historic features Greenwich Park attracts 4.7 million visitors a year which is estimated to rise to 6 million by 2030. We recognise that its capacity as an internationally significant heritage site and a treasured local space is under threat from overuse, tree diseases and a range of infrastructural problems. I am delighted to introduce this Greenwich Park Conservation Plan, developed as part of the Greenwich Park Revealed Project. The plan has been written in a new format which we hope will reflect the importance that we place on creating robust and thoughtful plans. Within the plan we have set a course that we believe can address the fundamental issues facing the site in order to satisfy the park’s needs in the short and medium term whilst increasing resilience for the next 100 years. ‘Greenwich is unique - a place of pilgrimage, as My team always welcome any comments or thoughts on increasing numbers of visitors obviously demonstrate, our ambitious plans, we hope you join us in our vision for this significant park. a place for inspiration, imagination and sheer pleasure. Majestic buildings, park, views, unseen meridian and a wealth of history form a unified whole of international importance. The maintenance and management of this great place requires sensitivity and constant care.’ Loyd Grossman CBE The Royal Parks Chairman ROYAL PARKS REVIEW OF GREEWNICH PARK 1995
CONTENTS PART 1 PART 2 PART 3 PART 4 FOREWORD CONTEXT LANDSCAPE CHARACTER POLICIES IMPLEMENTATION A message from Loyd Grossman iii MANAGEMENT ECOLOGICAL The Significance of Greenwich Park 77 Management 121 Implementation of the Management Plan 127 Our Parks 11 Ecological Context 54 Landscape Character Areas 77 Policy 121 Monitoring 127 The Royal Parks Context 13 Geology and Soils 54 Landscape Significance 78 Historic 121 Review 128 PREFACE Park Management 13 Hydrology, Drainage and Conduits 54 Landscape Condition 79 Ecological 122 The Project Register 129 Authority to Manage 13 Habitats 56 Landscape Character Areas Assessment 79 Communal 123 The Royal Parks Landscape Documents vii The Royal Parks Charitable Objects 13 Species 58 Aesthetic 124 The Structure of this Plan viii Designations and Compliance 13 Tree Pest, Disease and Invasive Species 60 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREAS 81 Process, Guidance & Acknowledgements ix Greenwich Park Management Structure 14 Biosecurity 61 Blackheath Gate 82 Resources 15 Climate Change 61 Blackheath Avenue 84 Engagement 15 Sustainability 62 The Giant Steps and the Parterre Banks 88 ABBREVIATIONS FIGURES Pressures 15 The Playing Field 90 AOD Acute Oak Decline Fig 1 Our Landscape Documents Risk 15 COMMUNAL The Queen’s Orchard 92 BAP Biodiversity Action Plan Fig 2 The Structure of this Plan Safety and Security 16 Public Access 64 One Tree Hill and the Coombes 94 BAME Black, Asian and Minority Ethnicities Fig 3 Location and Vision of each Royal Park DEFRA Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs Fig 4 TRP Management Structure Leases, Licences and Concessions 16 Events 64 Maze Hill Fields 96 DCMS Department of Digital, Culture Media and Sport Fig 5 WHS Map Database and Archive 16 Visitor Profile 64 Great Cross Avenue 98 ExCom Executive Committee Fig 6 Surrounding Green Spaces iv Demographics 65 The Flower Garden 100 FMC Facilities Maintenance Contractor Fig 7 Grand Axis Evolution v FoRP Friends of Greenwich Park Fig 8 Park Masterplan 2018 POLICY Visitor Facilities 66 The Wilderness 102 FsC Forest Stewardship Council Fig 9 Gateways and Main Routes International and National Policies 18 Organised and Informal Activities 66 The Bandstand Field 104 FSC Field Studies Council Fig 10 Archaeological Importance World Heritage Site 18 Learning 66 Ranger’s Field 106 GiGL Greenspace Information for Greater London Fig 11 Underlying Geology GIS Geographical Information Systems Fig 12 Broad Habitats International and National Designations 18 Community Volunteering 67 The Rose Garden 108 GLA Greater London Authority Fig 13 Plan of Local Boroughs Strategic Planning Advice 19 Community Engagement 67 The Reservoir Field 110 HLF Heritage Lottery Fund Fig 14 Key Views Local Planning Policies and Designations 19 Croom’s Hill and the Anglo-Saxon Cemetery 112 LLTIs Limiting Long-term Illness and Disability Fig 15 Topography LMC Landscape Maintenance Contractor Fig 16 Assessment of Landscape Character Areas TRP Strategies, Plans, Policies and Regulations 20 AESTHETIC Castle Hill and the Observatory Garden 114 LSOAs Lower Super Output Areas Fig 17 Significance Diagram Views 70 St Mary’s Fields 116 LUC Land Use Consultant’s Fig 18 Significance Vs. Condition Matrix HISTORIC Topography 72 The Nursery Yard 118 MGWHS Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site Fig 19 Greenwich Park Character Areas NERC Natural Environment and Rural Communities The Evolution of the Park’s Layout 24 Lighting 73 NNR National Nature Reserve Greenwich Park Timeline 28 Horticulture 73 NVC National Vegetation Classification Cultural Significance 46 Wellbeing 74 OCGW Oriental Chestnut Gall Wasp OPM Oak Processionary Moth Monuments and Main Artefacts 46 ROSPA Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Archaeology 46 RPWG Greenwich Park Wildlife Group APPENDICES Boundaries and Gates 47 SAC Special Area of Conservation TfL Transport for London Appendix 1: Selected Bibliography and References Furniture and Signage 48 TRP The Royal Parks Appendix 2: Listed Buildings not managed by TRP Road and Path Network 48 TRP OCU The Royal Parks Operational Command Unit Appendix 3: Map of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site Buildings and Structures 49 (Metropolitan Police) Appendix 4: Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest WFD Water Framework Directive WW1 World War One WWII World War Two
TRP STRATEGIC THE ROYAL PARKS PLAN LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTS THE ROYAL PARKS LANDSCAPE STRATEGY ‘Who’ are we... ‘why’ we manage the way we do The Landscape Strategy is a public document which sets out The Royal Park’s (TRP) overarching ethos and principles regarding landscape management. It sets the parks within their TRP London context and presents their importance. LANDSCAPE STRATEGY PARK CONSERVATION PLAN ‘What’ we will do... ‘what’ we want to do The Conservation Plan is a 10 year plan which facilitates effective park management. The plan is strategic in nature, setting out the 100 year vision for the park and the broad objectives which will guide its management. 6 7vii PREFACE PARK MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PARK CONSERVATION ‘What we deliver... ‘when’, ‘who’ and ‘how’ PLAN The Management and Maintenance Plan is prepared every year as the working document for the management of the park. It contains the park’s annual Action Plan and Park Business Plan while also records progress made in the previous year. PARK MANAGEMENT GREEN FLAG/ PARK BUSINESS AND HERITAGE PLAN MAINTENANCE PLAN < fig 1. OUR LANDSCAPE DELIVERY DOCUMENTS
THE STRUCTURE OF THIS PLAN PROCESS GUIDANCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS HISTORIC The development of the Greenwich Conservation Plan has Particular reference was made to government publications Ths plan has been prepared by TRP, namely: PART 1 - CONTEXT been a collaborative process which began with formulating and documents, the European Landscape Convention TRP’s view the park’s landscape as one which has been a new simple framework which required a re-think of the guidance documents, Natural England publications, Land Use Graham Dear - Park Manager developed over many years by natural processes and layers existing document. The Landscape Management Officer led Consultant’s (LUC) ‘Greenwich Park Historical Survey 1984’, Michael Loughnane - Assistant Park Manager of human interaction. This section brings together key a series of focused workshops which involved the Greenwich The Maritme Greenwich World Heritage Site Management Jane Pelly - Head of Landscape ECOLOGICAL AESTHETIC information required to understand the shaping of the park Park Management, Landscape, Ecology and Arboriculture Plan and the Heritage Lottery Fund Conservation Plan Alex Ioannou - Landscape Management Officer (lead) we manage today. Teams. Within these workshops we began trialling a new Guidance. Ian Rodger - Arboricultural Officer methodology and process to generate and agree on future Alister Hayes - Head of Programmes, Volunteering & Conservation CONTEXT PART 2 - LANDSCAPE CHARACTER management priorities and policies. Our approach to assessing heritage values and significance Richard Flenley - Consultant The park is recognised as an entity in its own right with its was guided by the methodology set out in Conservation own character. In this section the park is broken down into A series of targeted consultation events allowed TRP Principles, Policies and Guidance for the Sustainable We are particularly grateful to Friends, neighbours, interest COMMUNAL MANAGEMENT Landscape Character Areas. These character areas are a tool to present and test our proposals to the Friends Group Management of the Historic Environment, English Heritage groups and organisations who have participated in the for understanding and subsequently helping to determine the and external specialists incorporating their knowledge 2008 (Historic England). process - through workshops, events and meetings - to inform management priorities for each distinctive area of the park. and expertise. and shape the plan. 1 In assessing landscape condition, reference was made to PART 3 - POLICIES A survey was conducted to discover the Friends, volunteers the Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental This section builds on the identification of opportunities and special interest groups perceptions of ‘what is individually Management & Assessment (2013), Guidelines for Landscape and priorities set out in part 2. It brings these together to valued’ within Greenwich Park. and Visual Impact Assessment and An Approach to Landscape articulate policies for the park’s management as a whole. Character Assessment - October 2014, Christine Tudor, LANDSCAPE An internal draft was circulated to all Heads of Departments, Natural England. viii8 SIGNIFICANCE CHARACTER CONDITION PART 4 - IMPLEMENTATION our Heritage Lottery Fund Mentor and specialist TRP staff 9ix This section describes the main mechanisms for members. The draft was then approved by the Landscape monitoring and reviewing the delivery of the Conservation Portfolio Board, Project Board and the Executive Committee Plan’s priorities and policies. (Excom) along with the Board of Trustees of the new charity. 2 It includes the Project Register a dynamic and active A final draft was shared with Natural England and component that combines the Character Area Priorities, Historic England. developed in part 2, and the park wide policies, developed in part 3. The Project Register identifies and lists potential CHARACTER PARK projects which TRP aim to develop and deliver over the next AREAS POLICIES WIDE decade subject to availability of resources. 3 MONITORING PROJECT & REVIEW IMPLEMENTATION REGISTER < fig 2. THE STRUCTURE 4 OF THIS PLAN
1: CONTEXT 2: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 3: OUR POLICIES 4: IMPLEMENTATION OUR PARKS 3. THE REGENT’S PARK AND PRIMROSE HILL ‘To conserve the historic parkland 1. KENSINGTON GARDENS with its unique regency setting ‘To protect and enhance Kensington offering a broad range of opportunities 2. HYDE PARK for sport, wellbeing and culture while Gardens’ rich landscape heritage, its 3. royal associations, its connections ‘To balance the need between enhancing the quality and diversity of with children, with wildlife and with conserving the historic landscape and wildlife habitats.’ the creative culture of arts.’ meeting the demands of current and potential visitors and popular events. To respect the vernacular elements of built and natural heritage, boast fine horticulture and be a refuge for a 1. 2. 4. diverse and well protected wildlife.’ 7. RICHMOND PARK A. ‘To protect, conserve and enhance the PART 1 deer park’s significant landscape as a National Nature Reserve, stewarding 5. the balance between its wildlife, 4. ST JAMES’S PARK history and visitor enjoyment.’ AND THE GREEN PARK 10 ‘To respect the historic landscape of the 6. 5. 11 CONTEXT formal seventeenth century layout that characterises the outer park. Conserve the picturesque landscape of the inner park, providing the setting for national 5. BROMPTON CEMETERY ceremonial events and be a green haven in ‘To celebrate one of the great and most the heart of London.’ intact Garden Cemeteries of the mid-19th Century. To conserve its environment and built heritage while providing much 6. GREENWICH PARK The Royal Parks view the park’s landscape as one B. 7. which has been developed over many years by natural needed facilities and improving public ‘To respect the essential layout of the processes and layers of human interaction. In this access.’ seventeenth century avenues, the part we bring together key information required to juxtaposition of the dramatic landscape understand the shaping of the park we manage today. with the more irregular landform and the iconic setting of the World Heritage Site. Conserve its distinctive grasslands, 8. BUSHY PARK areas of fine horticultural display and 8. ‘To protect and conserve the historic the formal and informal settings for local layout, avenues and character of the deer and international visitors.’ park. To ensure its diverse population of trees, its open grasslands, wood pasture, WE ALSO MANAGE: < fig 3. woodlands, waterways are enhanced for LOCATION AND A. VICTORIA TOWER GARDENS wildlife and the enjoyment of its visitors.’ VISION OF EACH B. THE LONGFORD RIVER ROYAL PARK
1: CONTEXT 2: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 3: OUR POLICIES 4: IMPLEMENTATION THE ROYAL PARKS CONTEXT THE ROYAL PARKS CHARITABLE OBJECTS The Royal Parks comprise St. James’s Park, The Green Park, • To protect, conserve, maintain and care for the Royal Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and The Regent’s Park with Parks, including their natural and designed landscapes Primrose Hill in inner London. Greenwich Park, Bushy Park and built environment, to a high standard consistent and Richmond Park are linked to historic royal river palaces with their historic, horticultural, environmental and along the Thames in outer London. architectural importance; Greenwich Park occupies some 75 ha (186 acres) located • To promote the use and enjoyment of the Royal Parks on the river terraces and steep escarpment overlooking the for public recreation, health and wellbeing including Thames on the south east side of London. through the provision of sporting and cultural activities and events which effectively advance the objects; PARK MANAGEMENT • To maintain and develop the biodiversity of the Royal Parks, including the protection of their wildlife Park management for a large multifaceted site like Greenwich and natural environment, together with promoting Park is complex. It involves allocating resources and balancing sustainability in the management and use of the MANAGEMENT the requirements of visitors, heritage and conservation. Royal Parks; CONTEXT • To support the advancement of education by promoting AUTHORITY TO MANAGE public understanding of the history, culture, heritage and This section outlines the management context which natural environment of the Royal Parks and (by way of 12 enables us to deliver our set purpose. The parks are owned by the Crown with their responsibility comparison) elsewhere; 13 resting with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media ‘To manage the Royal Parks effectively and efficiently, and Sport (DCMS). TRP charity manages the parks on behalf • To promote national heritage including by hosting and balancing the responsibility to conserve and enhance the of the government. facilitating ceremonies of state or of national importance unique environments with creative policies to encourage within and in the vicinity of the Royal Parks. access and to increase opportunities for enjoyment education, TRP is led by a Board of Trustees, which decides how the entertainment and healthy recreation.’ charity is run, how we spend money and ensures what we do is for the benefit of the parks and our visitors. The trustees DESIGNATIONS AND COMPLIANCE are led by a Chairman, and are appointed for their skills and experience. Alongside some ex-officio roles, others are Greenwich Park is listed Grade 1 on the Historic England appointed by the Secretary of State for the DCMS and the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, forms part of the Greater London Authority (GLA). They are non-executive Greenwich Maritime World Heritage Site and is designated and unpaid. within Greenwich Park conservation Area in the Royal Borough of Greenwich local plan. The senior management team oversees the day-to-day running of the Royal Parks. Led by a chief executive, the Management of the park needs to comply with statutory team recommend parks’ policy and strategy to the Board legislation relevant to these designations. of Trustees, as well as managing an expert and committed workforce of staff and volunteers dedicated to offering free open space in London.
1: CONTEXT 2: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 3: OUR POLICIES 4: IMPLEMENTATION GREENWICH PARK RESOURCES ENGAGEMENT phyto security measures are forcing TRP to source previously MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE imported plant material within the UK, increasing costs. In March 2017 TRP charity was created and officially launched Park users work with park staff through stakeholder groups Certain recreation trends can pose problems and challenges. Park Manager CHIEF in July 2017. We took over the role of managing the parks such as; The Friends of Greenwich Park, The Greenwich Increasing popularity of dog ownership, 25% adults now own Is responsible for the overall strategic and optimal EXECUTIVE from The Royal Parks Agency – a former executive agency of Society, the Blackheath Society, the Westcombe Society and a dog which has increased the user pressure from this sector management of the park. They are responsible for managing the DCMS, as well as fundraising and some education from the Safer Parks Panel. on the park. stakeholder and local planning authority relationships, and the Royal Parks Foundation. The two organisations joined approving all commercial and non-commercial contracts. They forces to create our charity and bring together the best of Park Management consult various stakeholder groups about The use of social media makes it much easier for visitors to play an important role in identifying projects and potential fundraising, education and park management. specific projects and routine work within the park through meet up and organise events. This can be a good thing but development/restoration work, securing funding as required organised consultation events, quarterly stakeholder meetings can also involve an increase in unlicensed activity which is from internal Royal Parks’ funds and external funding agencies. HEAD OF The new Royal Parks charity is expected to become largely and welcomed ongoing communication. difficult to manage e.g doggy meet ups which receive over DIRECTOR OF PARKS PARK SERVICES self-financing over time as the proportion of government aid 100 attendants. AND SPM Assistant Park Managers continues to decline. The gap in funding has been covered by Park management is aware that frustrations can sometime Provide support for the Park Manager and are in regular RESOURCES developing other revenue streams such as; catering, filming occur when complex issues cannot be resolved particularly if Traffic congestion in the car park at weekends is a major direct communication with the maintenance contractors, and events. This has been challenging but so far successful. resolutions and resources are difficult to identify. In addition, problem and damages visitor experience for all park users. pre-planning and adjusting programmes of work. They In the same period maintenance expenditure has remained stakeholders priorities are not necessarily always aligned Increasing numbers of commuter cyclists and dog walkers are involved in building relationships with stakeholders constant whilst visitor numbers are increasing. either with TRP or each other. leads to conflict. and working with volunteers. They oversee practical PARK HEALTH FUNDRAISING AND LANDSCAPE implementation of management and maintenance works MANAGER Grants are incredibly valuable, usually for specific projects In the longer term the impact of climate change on the AND SAFETY and carry out inspections, quality checks and assess the ENGAGEMENT such as the Greenwich Park Revealed project. Grant funding PRESSURES park environment includes extreme weather conditions and service levels of the day to day operations. PROGRAMMES, from sources such as the HLF comes with certain criteria increase threats of pests and diseases. VOLUNTEERING and some priorities of awarding bodies can differ from the Visitors to the park have increased 2-fold in the past 10 years 14 Park Services Team, Ecology Team, Additional Directorates AND PARK SERVICES priorities of TRP. and 4 fold in the past 25 years. Results show that the total 15 CONSERVATION The various TRP directorates provide technical and specialist number of visits to Greenwich in 2014 was in the region of RISK skills and support to the Park Management Team. The teams COMMERCIAL ASSISTANT All the Royal Parks, including Greenwich Park are endowed 4.7 million. The park is highly valued by visitors and provides work closely together to ensure that any actions within the PARK SUSTAINABILITY ARBORICULTURE with built assets that are managed to provide reliable many benefits to many people by improving wellbeing and The Board of Trustees reviews strategic risks and the Park parks are done to the highest quality and sensitivity. MANAGER endowments and long-term income streams. The park now quality of life that cannot be overstated. Management Team annually review risk as part of its annual hosts two mass participation events annually; the London business planning cycle. This plan addresses landscape Landscape Maintenance Contractors (LMC) marathon and the BIG Half Marathon Festival. These are well Greater London Authority Population Projections estimate risks by careful articulation of aims and opportunities, by Landscape and tree maintenance is undertaken ESTATES received by visitors and residents. The filming industry often that the boroughs of Greenwich, Lewisham and Tower consideration of significance and condition, and by expressing by contractors under the direction of the park AND use the park as a location and locate unit bases in the car Hamlets will see an increase of 235,200 persons between priorities. Addressing risk is built in to this plan by including management team. PROJECTS parks. The two park residential lodges are let at market rents 2019 and 2050. This will make the existing open space them as ‘main challenges’ under each section. OFFICE TECHNICAL providing a sustainable income stream. increasingly valuable. The way in which people use outdoor Facilities Maintenance Contractor (FMC) MANAGER ASSISTANT space is changing too. Visitors eat outdoors and picnic more. Main Challenges: HLF Is responsible for the maintenance of the hard landscape As a charity TRP are now better placed to explore and It is even possible to have food delivered to the park using To work with all contractors, stakeholders, partners and external areas of the park, services and buildings maintenance. Routine develop the roles of volunteering, philanthropy and charitable facilities such as Deliveroo. There are increasing amounts bodies to ensure the effective minimising of risk at every stage repairs and maintenance are covered under the contract. fund raising. of refuse to be collected by the grounds contractor and of management operations by taking actions to address, reduce, increasing number of bottles and disposable coffee cups. mitigate or tolerate risk. Other important contracts include the gate locking, catering Staffing concessions, car parking and toilet maintenance contracts. STUDENT ASSISTANT There are currently four members of TRP staff, with all Pest and diseases are having a major impact on the To be pro-actively ‘horizon scanning’ for possible and future risks. PACE LANDSCAPE FACILITIES LANDSCAPE PROJECT ADMIN ARCHITECT OFFICER OFFICER OFFICER MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE other activities contracted out e.g. grounds maintenance, horticultural landscape. Since 2000 the advent of bleeding HLF CONTRACTOR CONTRACTOR Main Challenges: HLF HLF building maintenance, cleaning, toilet attendants, car parking canker of horse chestnut has seen a large number of the To manage the park effectively within the economic and human and catering. TRP provide an apprentice gardener scheme in parks mature horse chestnut trees die. Oak processionary resource constraints whilst at the same time managing visitor partnership with the grounds contractor to help train and moth is another example of a new pest species which < fig 4. numbers that are set to increase. retain a skilled workforce. needs to be controlled for public health reasons and incurs TRP MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE significant costs for TRP. The latter is a financial pressure. Plant
1: CONTEXT 2: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 3: OUR POLICIES 4: IMPLEMENTATION SAFETY AND SECURITY fees are paid. The residents are responsible for the maintenance of doors and gates. Greenwich Park, like the other Royal Parks, is policed by a dedicated unit of the Metropolitan Police Service, based in • The catering concessions are licensed to specialist ‘“Landscape management” the park. There is a Memorandum of Understanding between the police and TRP which sets out policing priorities across caterers. The tennis courts are licensed to Will to Win. means action, from a perspective the estate. Main Challenges: In the 2018 Ipsos MORI visitor survey 32% of visitors aren’t of sustainable development, to At the present time Greenwich Park does not suffer from significant levels of serious crime, and the nature of offences aware that Greenwich is managed by TRP but believe it is managed by the local authority/council. ensure the regular upkeep of a and disturbances is not, in the main, of serious consequence (although there are of course exceptions). landscape, so as to guide and Main Challenges: DATABASE AND ARCHIVE harmonise changes which are Like all areas of the MET Police Service, Greenwich Park has seen TRP use CONFIRM software to manage the grounds brought about by social, economic a reduction in its level of policing. maintenance contract. Data is held in the CONFIRM database. and environmental processes.’ With the increasing visitor numbers park managers need to pro- The ‘Arbortrack’ database is TRP’s arboricultural risk actively find ways of communicating Park Regulations as well as management system. The system allows tree data to be educating visitors with regard to acceptable behaviour. stored electronically and linked to a mapping system which is EUROPEAN LANDSCAPE CONVENTION compatible with Geographical Information Systems (GIS). 16 LEASES, LICENCES AND CONCESSIONS TRP works in partnership with Greenspace Information for 17 Greater London (GiGL), to set up and manage a biological A number of leases, licences and concessions are in effect recording system which holds accurate and validated data on in the parks through which areas of land or specific facilities species and habitats and environmental information for all of are controlled by bodies other than TRP or responsibility is the Royal Parks. shared. These include: Main Challenges: • The Royal Observatory Greenwich buildings and land Data monitoring is especially important to better inform in the centre of the park comprising Flamsteed House, management practice and to help meet TRP’s statutory Meridian Building and Courtyard, Great Equatorial obligations to biodiversity conservation. Building, Altazimuth Pavilion, South Building, Yuri Gagarin Café Terrace, Peter Harrison Planetarium and Terrace are IT investment needed in GIS system to give comprehensive managed by the Royal Museums Greenwich. mapping of services; trees; ecology; furniture & artefacts; hard works and soft works features. • The Reservoir on the plateau near Croom’s Hill was built in 1845 for firefighting purposes and covered over in 1871. The structure is licensed to Thames Water. • Two residential Lodges under private lease, are located within the park, Blackheath Gate Lodge and Vanbrugh Gate Lodge. • There are four licensed openings into the park from adjacent properties in Maze Hill for which annual
PART 2: DESCRIPTION AND SIGNIFICANCE 2.1 Map of the World Heritage Site (Map 1) Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site Management Plan Third Review 2014 1: CONTEXT 2: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 3: OUR POLICIES 4: IMPLEMENTATION PART 2: DESCRIPTION AND SIGNIFICANCE 2.1 Map of the World Heritage Site (Map 1) INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL POLICIES WORLD HERITAGE SITE The Royal Commission on Historic Monuments in England Main Challenges: (RCHME) Survey Wide range of regional strategies and plans that must There are a wide range of designations and policies, which The whole park, neighbouring properties and part of A detailed archaeological survey within the park has been be considered and, where applicable, implemented when influence the management of Greenwich Park. TRP has Greenwich town centre were inscribed onto UNESCO’s undertaken, which reported in 1994 (RCHME. 1994. determining management policies and guidelines including statutory duties with regard to the following: World Heritage List in 1997. The location of the WHS and its Greenwich Park: An Archaeological Survey – published in biodiversity and views. boundaries are shown in Apendix 3. two volumes). On the basis of this study, the whole park is • Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) considered to have high archaeological potential. Though not protected by statute the panoramic views of the City, Act 2006 Part 3 S.40: “Every public authority must, in TRP is a World Heritage Site Executive partner who forms World Heritage Site and Canary Wharf, as well as short distance exercising its functions, have regard . . . to the purpose of part of the Partnership that meets annually (usually in March) views to and from the park, should be considered particularly conserving biodiversity. and in accordance with its terms of reference works to STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVICE within the setting of the World Heritage Site. uphold the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the Site • Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981 as amended), and promote Maritime Greenwich at local, national and The London Plan 2016 (consolidated with alterations since particularly in relation to management that may affect international levels. 2011) is the overall strategic plan for London, and it sets out LOCAL PLANNING POLICIES AND DESIGNATIONS protected species. a fully integrated economic, environmental, transport and TRP is committed to working to uphold the nine overarching social framework for the development of the capital over the Greenwich Park is Crown Land and TRP complies with • Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000 Became goals and number of key objectives set out in the Maritime next 20-25 years. It forms part of the development plan for standard procedures and local authority planning policies. part of UK Law in 2003 and requires all water bodies Greenwich Management Plan for the protection, conservation Greater London. London boroughs’ local plans need to be to reach “Good Ecological Status” (GES) or for artificial and management of the Site. in general conformity with the London Plan, and its policies Greenwich Park is wholly within the Royal Borough of POLICY or heavily modified water bodies “Good Ecological Potential” (GEP) by 2015, 2021 or 2027 depending on The latest The Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site guide decisions on planning applications by councils and the Mayor. On 13 August 2018 the Mayor of London published a Greenwich. The boundary with the adjacent London Borough of Lewisham runs across Blackheath, just to the south of feasibility. The objective of GEP is similar to good status Management Plan can be found by following the link: version of the new draft London Plan that includes his minor the park. The statutory policies relating to the area within This section describes the key national, regional but takes into account the constraints imposed by social http://www.greenwichworldheritage.org/about/management-plan suggested changes. Greenwich are contained within Royal Greenwich Local 18 and local designations, policies and strategies which provide and/or economic uses. The objective is to achieve GEP Plan: Core Strategy with Detailed Policies (July 2014). The ^ fig 5. 19 the strategic policy framework for the management of by 2027. As a public body, TRP is required to give due Greenwich Park is one of the smaller Royal Parks in London Borough is required to refer to TRP in the case of all planning WORLD HERITAGE Greenwich Park consideration to the aims of the WFD in any works they NATIONAL DESIGNATIONS with a total area of 75 hectares. However it is considered to applications within 800 metres of the park boundary, which SITE MAP carry out that may impact on water bodies. Proposed be the largest green open space in central south-east London have potential to impact the park amenities. works must be assessed to ensure that the requirements Historic England: Register of Parks and Gardens of Historic and is designated as a Site of Metropolitan Importance for of the WFD are met, i.e. that the proposed modification: Interest Nature Conservation. It contains ancient parkland with trees, Conservation and Heritage 9 i) does not deteriorate water body status ‘no Greenwich Park is listed on Historic England’s Register of small woodlands managed as bird sanctuaries, a lake and Greenwich Park is designated Greenwich Park Conservation deterioration’ Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. It is categorised several ponds. Area. Other Conservation Areas adjacent to the park ii) will not compromise the successful implementation of as Grade 1 entry; that is, of exceptional historic interest. include Blackheath & Blackheath Park Conservation Area, improvement measures; and London Environment Strategy 2018 West Greenwich Conservation Area, and Westcombe Park 9 iii) that WFD objectives will still be achieved. In order to Scheduled Monument This is the first strategy to bring together approaches to Conservation Area. The Royal Greenwich Local Plan Core achieve good ecological potential a number of measures The Anglo Saxon barrow cemetery on Croom’s Hill and the every aspect of London’s environment, integrating the Strategy with Detailed Policies lists policies under section 4.4 and actions need to be implemented to mitigate against Romano-Celtic temple near Maze Hill Gate are designated following areas: covering aspects of Design and Heritage, and under section LISTED BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES Table 1. ^ the effects of the high level of modification in this water a Scheduled Monument. The Royal Observatory (within the • air quality 4.5 lists policies regarding Open Space. body (see Annexes B and C of the RBMP). park) and the Queen’s House (outside the park) are also are • green infrastructure The Standard Reservoir/Conduit House II* http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/ designated a Scheduled Monument. • climate change mitigation and energy Designated London Panorama planning/125035.aspx • waste The London Panorama located within Greenwich Park is St Mary’s Gate II Greater London Sites and Monuments Record (GLSMR) • adapting to climate change designated and has St Paul’s Cathedral as its focus. Conduit Head II • Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act The GLSMR contains numerous entries relating to Greenwich • ambient noise 1979 Conservation of historic buildings and monuments: Park. These include the conduits, evidence of the pre- • low carbon circular economy There is one viewing location, 5A, within Greenwich Park The Bandstand II TRP is obligated to put in place measures to protect and emparkment agricultural landscape in the form of ridge and that includes two Assessment Points. The view from Wolfe The Boundary Wall (several sections) II conserve its buildings, monuments, sites and landscapes furrow, the extant monuments and structures, track-ways and National Planning Policy Framework Statue, at Assessment Point 5A.1, takes in the formal, axial of historic interest and to regulate operations or Roman routes and structures relating to World War II. This was updated on 19 February 2019 and provides a arrangement between Greenwich Palace, and the Queen’s General Wolfe Statue II activities affecting them. framework within which this plan was produced. House. The view also includes Greenwich Reach and the St Mary’s Lodge II
1: CONTEXT 2: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 3: OUR POLICIES 4: IMPLEMENTATION tall buildings on the Isle of Dogs. The eastern extent of the DH(h) Conservation Areas DH(j) Locally Listed Buildings TRP STRATEGIES, PLANS, POLICIES AND CANARY WHARF panorama is towards central London and St Paul’s Cathedral. Planning permission will only be granted for proposals In considering proposals affecting buildings on the REGULATIONS Jubilee This is best seen from Assessment Point 5A.2, and includes a which pay special attention to preserving or enhancing Local List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic HERON QUAYS Park NORTH GREENWICH WEST SILVERTOWN LONDON CITY AIRPORT Protected Vista towards the Cathedral. the character or appearance of the Conservation Area. Interest, substantial weight will be given to protecting Greenwich Park’s management is guided by mainly: PONTOON DOCK Thames Barrier KING GEORGE V The local scale, the established pattern of development and conserving the particular characteristics that account SOUTH QUAY Lyle Park Park The panorama is highly valued because it makes a and landscape, building form and materials will all be taken for their designation. Consequently, proposals for the • Greenwich Park Management Plan 2015-2020 significant contribution to people’s ability to understand into account. Development on sites in the vicinity of a demolition or unsympathetic alteration of locally listed • Greenwich Park Avenues Restoration Strategy 2016 Central Park and appreciate London as a whole. It allows a viewer to see Conservation Area and which would have a visual effect on buildings will be strongly discouraged. • TRP strategies, regulations, legislation and policies which CROSSHARBOUR significant historic and cultural landmarks in their landscape its character or appearance, should respect the setting of that are listed on our website: Ecology Park or townscape setting and to understand the relationship area. Demolition of buildings and structures that positively Mudchute Park between them. contribute to the character or appearance of a Conservation Open Space and Nature Conservation https://www.royalparks.org.uk/managing-the-parks/park- Area will be resisted. The park is designated as Metropolitan Open Land regulations-legislation-and-policies MUDCHUTE Millwall Park Maryon Park WOOLWICH DOCKYARD (Policy OS2 Metropolitan Open Land) and also as a ISLAND GARDENS DH(i) Statutory Listed Buildings Pepy’s Royal Greenwich Local Plan Site of Metropolitan Importance for nature conservation Park contains the following pertinent policies (extracts given here): i) Protection of Listed Buildings (Table 12: Site NC6, Policy OS4 Biodiversity). The CHARLTON There will be a presumption in favour of the preservation of park has been identified as falling within an ‘Area of Maryon Wilson Park DH3 Heritage Assets listed buildings. Listed building consent will only be granted for High Archaeological Potential (AHAP)’ (Policy DH(m) Charlotte Turner Gardens CUTTY SARK WESTCOMBE PARK Barrack Field demolition in exceptional circumstances, and will be assessed Archaeology). All designations are shown on Royal St Nicholas MAZE HILL The Royal Borough will protect and enhance the heritage Church Cemetery assets and settings of Royal Greenwich, including the against the following criteria: Greenwich’s Core Strategy Policies Map 2014. Charlton House Grounds Charlton Park Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, preserving 1. The condition of the building and the cost of repairs DEPTFORD or enhancing the character or appearance of the 20 relative to its importance. Cycle Routes: The borough is providing cycle routes in Fodham Park GREENWICH Greenwich Park 15 minute walk 30 minute walk Woolwich Common Conservation Areas, applying a presumption in favour of the 2. The adequacy of efforts made to return the building accordance with the London Cycle Network (LCN) and NEW CROSS 20 21 Hornfair Charlton Park preservation of statutory listed buildings and their settings, to use. evolving local network. A cycle route has been implemented Lido 3. The merits of alternative proposals for the site. within the park running east – west from Vanbrugh Gate to DEPTFORD BRIDGE giving substantial weight to protecting and conserving locally listed buildings, protecting the three registered parks and St. Mary’s Gate via Great Cross Avenue and The Avenue. Blackheath gardens, as well as Royal Greenwich’s archaeological remains ii) External or Internal Alterations (Policy: IM4 Cycling and Walking). Brookmill Park and areas of special character. Proposals for external or internal alterations or additions to Listed Buildings should respect the integrity of the buildings Riverside Route: A combined cycle route and pedestrian ELVERSON ROAD DH4 Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and harmonise with their special architectural or historical walk runs along the south bank of the Thames (the route The Royal Borough will protect and enhance the Outstanding character. Where consent is required for internal alterations, of the National Trail). (Policy: OS3 South East London LEWISHAM BLACKHEATH Universal Values (the ‘Values’) of the inscribed Maritime features of interest should be respected and left in-situ Green Chain, IM4 Cycling and Walking). Greenwich World Heritage Site (the ‘Site’). Development wherever possible. Hilly Fields KIDBROOKE within it should protect and enhance these Values. Green Chain Network: The extensive Green Chain walk Park Cator Development within the buffer zone (as defined on the iii) Changes of Use network encompasses much of the open space in the Park Proposals Map) and setting should not adversely impact Proposals for changes of use of Listed Buildings will only be eastern part of Greenwich Borough. It does not, currently, Brockley & Ladywell Cemetery on those Values, including views to and from the Site. granted planning permission if it is no longer in its original or link into the Blackheath/Greenwich Park open space LADYWELL other established historic use and the new use is beneficial to (Policy: OS3 South East London Green Chain). However Sutcliffe Park ELTHAM DH(g) Local Views the building and is compatible with its character and features there are a number of walks in and around the park under Lewisham Park Planning permission will only be given for development which of historic interest. Such a change of use should not conflict the banner of Greenwich Get Active leisure walks. KEY HITHER would not have a materially adverse effect on the overall with other policies in the Core Strategy. Ladywell Fields GREEN ROADS WATERBODIES perspective and essential quality of the identified Local Views, Main Challenges: LEE RAILWAY iv) Setting and Proportion Numerous local policies and designations exist that must GREENSPACES which in Greenwich park comprise DOCKLANDS 1. Docklands panorama from the Wolfe Monument and Proposals for development which would detract from the be respected by conservation plan policies particularly relating N LIGHT RAILWAY 2. Wolfe Monument south towards the All Saints Church setting and proportions of a Listed Building or group will to protection of open space from built development, protection < fig 6. in Blackheath. be resisted. of views, character of the built landscape, trees and nature SURROUNDING conservation. GREEN SPACES
‘Greenwich Park is still potentially the finest interpretation in England of a layout based on that Grand European 17th century conception of design that governed also the grouping of buildings leading to the river.’ 7TH REPORT OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON FORESTRY
1: CONTEXT 2: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 3: OUR POLICIES 4: IMPLEMENTATION THE EVOLUTION OF THE PARK’S LAYOUT of the alignment of the park walls, possibly even the focus ornamentation and horticultural displays that provide a very on particular skyline features beyond the park including St. different but enjoyable experience. They contrasts strongly The topography and geology of the site has had the greatest Alfege Church, the Tower and St. Paul’s. Cathedral. It is a with the sweep of open space long promenading avenues influence upon the design and layout of Greenwich Park. further coincidence that this site, which has so many lines of the more formal historic park but are important and fulfil and axes, should subsequently have also acquired a line of different needs. The1660s saw the most significant change of character when real international standing; but despite its importance this line the park was transformed from a medieval heath-land hunting of the Greenwich Meridian has, until 1984 at least, remained As a framework against which to test the present condition park into a formal landscape with a grand garden and avenues insignificant in the park itself. and future development of the park, the historical record during the Restoration. Charles II completed the Queen’s shows that this composite plan is in itself important. While it is House and commissioned Sir William Boreman to supervise The 1660s pattern has survived to the present day even desirable to conserve and maintain the essential structure of improvements to the park. though its component avenues are largely second, and in the 17th century avenues and the related landforms, the use some cases fourth generation. The pattern itself is a curiosity; and management of the park need to reflect the diversity of Clearly the emphatic axiality established by the siting of it is probably French in its inspiration but would seem to be its history. the Queen’s House became a dominant factor in the unsuited to such a contorted terrain - the dips and hollows development of the park’s layout. Indeed Inigo Jones may well frustrating the sense of extending vistas and the natural grain have recognised the potential of the park as a stage set to his of topography lying obliquely across the central axis of the composition, and André Le Nôtre’s plan appears to respond design. In simple terms, the drawn plan looks as though it HISTORIC to it in just this way. was conceived on paper without real consideration of the 1433 - Duke Humprey’s tower strategically placed on the edge CONTEXT However, the importance of physical opportunities and physical characteristics of the site. Some commentators have tended to presume this to be a weakness of design, and that of the heath to command land and water routes to the capital constraints of the site should be traced back to earlier times, the layout is, or even was, seen as a failure. On the contrary, This section begins by presenting the key evolutions not least to Duke Humphrey’s placing of the tower on its it was regarded with high esteem even in its earliest days and 24 of the park’s designed landscape and a timeline of key strategic location over looking the Thames and conveniently consistently during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Indeed 25 protagonists and historical events that have influenced it. close to the historical mustering ground and reception area during the Georgian period, it survived major changes of of Blackheath. There is some natural axiality about the tower taste which were responsible for sweeping away many of its Then the section goes on to describe the ‘built’ site in relation to the Isle of Dogs; and although this was contemporary landscapes. components that have contributed to the character of largely disregarded by the Tudors who developed the Palace Greenwich Park. of Placentia with its convenient river access and adjacent The evolution of the Restoration plan between 1661 and deer park, this imaginary line became fixed in reality with 1664 does not appear to have been the work of just one Historic Value: the orientation of the Queen’s House over the Deptford to man and there are significant contrasts in the setting out of the ways in which past people, events and aspects of life Woolwich road. the parts, even though the whole layout was achieved in a can be connected through a place to the present. Historical three-year period. Furthermore several competing forces are understanding that comes from ‘reading’ the landscape that is At the time, this siting may not have seemed particularly expressed in the design and for this reason it remains, despite observable; it gains in value by completeness. significant, lying in the shadow of the great Tudor Palace, but inexact setting out and numerous mathematical anomalies, a it subsequently dictated layouts to North and South, first most interesting study in landscape design. Associative historical values are made through people with the development of the park itself, subsequently through identifying and connecting a place with cultural heritage; Webb, Wren, Hawksmoor and Vanbrugh and the carefully The pattern, which these various phases of history have literature, art, music, film, scientific or technological discoveries. balanced plan of the Royal Hospital. This axiality has been left behind, is clearly a composite. The formal design of further reinforced by the building of the East and West wings avenues did not destroy or wholly dominate the pre- Continuing use of a place as is historically appropriate, that (1807) and the Colonnades (1807-11), by the siting of All existing English spontaneity of the “Pleasance”, but simply 16th Century - The development ‘illustrates its relationship between design and function’ also Saints Church (1858) on Blackheath, and most recently by the introduced a creative tension which is still vividly apparent. of the Tudor palace related to river transport and the deer park enhances its value. placing of General Wolfe’s Statue (1930). A further tension, created mainly in the 19th and early 20th dominated by natural landforms centuries, has been achieved through the development of an of scarp and valleys The force of other lines may also be apparent in the extensive path network which in some cases do not follow fig 7. > development of the Restoration layout - the particular the formal structure of the avenues. During this period the EVOLUTION OF orientation of the tributary valleys, the historical accident park absorbed considerable fragmentation, diversification, PARK LAYOUT
1: CONTEXT 2: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 3: OUR POLICIES 4: IMPLEMENTATION 1616 - Siting of the Queens 1661-62 - Interpolation of House establishes a new axis Boreman’s planting (7 avenues across the natural grain of including the Patte d’Oie and topography Wilderness 26 27 ‘Clearly the emphatic axiality established by the siting of the Queen’s House became a dominant factor in the development of the park’s layout. Indeed Inigo Jones may well have recognised the potential of the park as a stage set to his composition, and André Le 1663-64 - The Le Nôtre terrace elm avenues and the 1884 - Queens House/ Blackheath axis reinforced by Nôtre’s plan appears to respond counterpoint of Flamsteed House (1675) the development of the Royal Hospital (1695) extended by to it in just this way.’ All Saints Church (1858) and focused on the statue of General Wolfe (1930). Zero Meridian established in 1884.
1: CONTEXT 2: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 3: OUR POLICIES 4: IMPLEMENTATION Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester c.1550s (© Encyclopædia Britannica) This digital reconstruction of how the Roman temple in Greenwich Park might have looked was created by Channel 4’s Time Team. 28 29 PRE-1433 1433-1485 An areal view of the Anglo- PRE-HISTORY TO ROYAL MANOR Saxon Cemetery today. DUKE HUMPHREY, “BELLA COURT” AND THE PARK GREENWICH PARK TIMELINE The Thames Valley has been a focus of settlement from ‘had tessellated flooring and painted plaster walls...’, all of which The importance of Greenwich seems to have dwindled after the middle of the 14th century the King of England again Until this time the importance of Greenwich Manor and the prehistoric times. The Greenwich area once formed part give information about the building’s use up to 400 AD the Romans left until it appears listed among the possessions held the manor. In 1408 Henry IV was brought in sickness “house by the river” centred around its strategic position of the primeval forest of Andread’s Weald and the spur of and its status. The excavations have produced evidence of a of King Alfred (871-900). He gave this manor of “Gronovic” to Greenwich probably to the house known as “Old Court” overlooking the two main thoroughfares to London, the naturally dry ground at Greenwich would have been used by continuous Roman occupation of the site for nearly 400 years. or “Grenevic”1 or part of it, to his daughter Elstrudis, wife from where he drew up his will granting Greenwich to Thames and the Roman road from Dover. Duke Humphrey prehistoric communities. Greenwich Park has expressions and of Baldwin II Count of Flanders. Baldwin died in 918 and Thomas Beaufort, Duke of Exeter. In 1422 Thomas Beaufort made Greenwich a much more important place than it had remnants of several key periods of history including Roman, On the western side of the park, near Croom’s Hill Gate Elstrudis gave the manor to the Abbey of St. Peter’s at Ghent. was appointed Regent to the young Henry VI but died in been previously. He built a house grand enough to be coveted Anglo Saxon, Tudor and Stuart. is a group of 31 tumuli or barrows dating from the Anglo This Flemish connection lasted until the early 15th century 1426 and the manor of Greenwich, along with the Regency, by the Queen, he made it a centre of the new learning and Saxon period. This is one of only 40 barrow cemeteries in when Henry V disallowed alien monasteries and priories passed to the young King’s uncle, Humphrey, Duke of built up his famous library2. He also enclosed a park which The important Roman road Watling Street (later diverted by England. Each mound covers a single burial and some of the (1414) and the Abbot of Ghent’s holding reverted to English Gloucester. became, under the Tudors, a favourite royal playground and Duke Humphrey) ran just to the south-west of Greenwich dead have been discovered to have been buried with their hands. It is possible that a house, referred to as the “house by deer park. Park. By the north-east boundary wall, near the edge of the weapons. Almost all the barrows show signs of disturbance the river” and the “Old Court” remained in the possession of escarpment is the site of a Romano-British temple, a nationally during an exploratory excavation in 1784. Works for a new the Kings of England from the time of Alfred. It appears that Duke Humphrey demolished “Old Court” rare building type of Romano-Celtic temple. Excavations over reservoir in 1844 resulted in the levelling of 12 barrows, and was granted a licence “to build a mansion crennelled and a number of years show the remains of this main temple, the and there has been further disturbance from tree roots. The The Domesday Book confirms that King Harold had held embattled”3 which he called “Bella Court”. In 1433 Henry VI cella with surrounding ambulatory, and its associated sacred place name ‘Greenwich’ emerged in the middle Anglo-Saxon a manor at Greenwich but King William had assigned the permitted him to add to his house by enclosing “200 acres precinct or temenos. Among the findings were rare ivories, period suggesting it was a wic or trading settlement, whose royal possession to Ghent. However it seems that by about inscriptions, a large number of coins and that the temple importance derived from craft and maritime trade. 2. The foundations of the Bodleian Library, Oxford. 1. Saxon for Green Village: Lysons op.cit p.427 3. Lysons p.429
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