Local community launches crowdfunding campaign to challenge proposed Go Ape development in Danson Park

Residents have today launched a crowdfunding campaign to help fund a legal challenge against the proposed Go Ape development in Danson Park.

The campaign, "Stop Go Ape in Danson Park", aims to raise funds to commission independent environmental assessments, obtain specialist planning and environmental legal advice, and, if appropriate, pursue a Judicial Review of Bexley Council's decision.

The proposed development, details of which can be viewed here: https://pa.bexley.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=T5MJG6BELLW00, would be located adjacent to the popular children's playground and Splash Park before extending through historic woodland within the Grade II listed park.

More than 2,200 residents have already signed the campaign petition (https://www.change.org/p/stop-go-ape-in-danson-park), while 648 formal objections were submitted during the planning process. Campaigners believe these significant public concerns were not properly reflected in Bexley Council's decision to approve the application.

Residents have expressed concerns about the potential impact on mature trees, wildlife, biodiversity, the loss of publicly accessible green space, increased traffic and parking pressures and noise pollution.

Ann McCawley, Chair of the Stop Go Ape in Danson Park campaign, said:

"Danson Park is a treasured historic landscape and an important haven for both wildlife and the local community. We believe this development would fundamentally change the character of one of Bexley's most valued public parks.

We have reached the point where independent expert advice and, if necessary, legal action are our only remaining options to ensure the planning process is properly scrutinised. This campaign is about protecting our park for future generations."

The crowdfunding campaign will operate on an 'all or nothing' basis. If sufficient funds are not raised to commission the necessary expert reports and pursue legal action, all donations will be refunded.

Donation levels:

• £10 helps fund ecological evidence

• £25 contributes towards specialist legal advice

• £50 helps commission an independent environmental assessment

• £100 supports preparation of a Judicial Review

Ann added:

"Time is extremely limited. We have only a few weeks in which to take the necessary legal steps should expert advice indicate there are grounds to do so. Every donation, no matter how small, will help us establish whether we can mount an effective challenge.

We hope everyone who values Danson Park will support the campaign by donating if they can, sharing the appeal with friends and neighbours, and helping us protect this unique public space."

Campaigners are encouraging residents across Bexley and beyond to support the appeal by donating, sharing the crowdfunding campaign and petition, and helping safeguard the heritage, biodiversity and public enjoyment of Danson Park for future generations.