Will the New Government Protect Public Spaces?

We’ve written to the secretary of state to find out.

Last month, the Court of Appeal refused Enfield resident’s permission to appeal the decision to let the council dispose of part of Whitewebbs Park to Tottenham Hotspur FC for its own commercial purpose. 

PILC have written to the secretary of state on behalf Friends of Whitewebbs Park and CPRE London asking her to use her power to decide the application in place of the local planning authority.  

This is an opportunity for the new government to consider the crucial issue of the privatisation of public open space in the context of huge pressure on land and set a clear precedent for local authorities that these vital spaces must be preserved for public use. 

A long game 

Since 2021, local residents have been fighting to stop their council leasing over 50% of public green space to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and its ultra-wealthy owners. 

The plans would see Tottenham Hotspur FC build training grounds in the park, meaning residents are set to lose access to land that has been in public hands for nearly a century. It would also require razing several acres of natural parkland to make way for training pitches and manicured gardens. 

If this development goes ahead, there is no real protection in law for public parks 

Public space allows people to exercise, relax and gather to meet friends and family in the fresh air regardless of personal financial means. It is essential for mental and physical health and its provision can reduce health inequalities between wealthy and deprived communities. 

This decision reverses a powerful movement in the 19^th and 20^th centuries to protect open spaces for public benefit and use. It confirms that following decades of liberalisation, there are no effective legal protections that local residents can rely on to protect their local parks and recreational facilities from sale.  

“It is particularly saddening that this has been achieved by the active assistance of a council committed to climate improvement, a healthy lifestyle for all, not just a select few, and to biodiversity,” said local resident Sean who brought the claim. “This Council has massively subsidised a multi-billion dollar offshore corporation to attain its commercial objectives with land belonging to the people of Enfield.” 

"Calling in" the decision

The process of “calling in” the decision will ensure the important issue of the privatisation of public parks and open spaces can be considered at a national level with the benefit of a public inquiry. 

If this can happen to Whitewebbs Park, it can happen anywhere. It can happen to your local park, playground or playing field. We’re working with many residents’ groups facing similar challenges. We’re continuing to fight alongside the residents of Enfield to save Whitewebbs Park. 

The secretary of state has the power to protect the Park despite this decision and allow the residents in Enfield to continue enjoying the park. This would also set some clear protections for public parks. 

PILC will keep fighting to keep the whole of Whitewebbs Park in public hands for public use.  

Read the full letter here.

When public space near you is threatened, it can be hard to know how to fight back. There’s no widely available legal advice in this area. It can feel like the local authority holds all the cards and your community has no say. 

PILC aims to bring greater accountability and transparency to local authority decision-making around the disposal of public open spaces. By shining a light on their processes, we aim to make sure that open spaces are not unlawfully and irreversibly sold. 

If you’d like to get in touch about saving a park or open space near you, contact Harriet on harriet.child@pilc.org.uk.