Decision details

RESOLVED that:-

The London Borough of Hackney (LBH) supports the Games Mode operation of the Velodrome and Velo Park.

The London Borough of Hackney (LBH) raise the following objections with regard to the proposal:

·  The LBH objects to the crossing of the River Lea by the BMX and road circuit cycle tracks in Legacy Mode.  In doing so there will be compromises and detriment to the amenity value of the parkland on the west side of the Lea by restricting access to both the river's edge and adjacent parts of the parkland;

·  The LBH objects to the Legacy location of the BMX track as it would further occupy parts of the west bank of the River Lea and effectively sterilise an even greater area of parkland and restrict  movement between both west and east, as well as north and south;

·  The LBH objects to the high number of car parking spaces proposed in the Legacy formation of the Velo Park (150 spaces).  The LBH would like to see only essential car parking provided (disabled and operational only).

·  The London Borough of Hackney (LBH) raise the following observations with regard to the proposed proposal:

·  Direct physical and visual access to the river Lea are central to the character and amenity value of the adjacent parkland;

·  The western portion of the site is likely to be parkland that the London Borough of Hackney will own and is an important part of the green corridor along the Lea Valley;

·  The road track will demand physical security fixtures/measures, including fencing and lighting that will harm the wider amenity value of the parkland.  Details of such have not been provided;

·  The road circuit's lighting would benefit only the cyclists on the track, would detract from the adjacent parkland and would have a negative impact on the surrounding habitats' wildlife value;

·  Sectional drawings show how manipulation of the land form could reduce the visual impact of the road circuit but it will (by definition) restrict direct physical access from the west and can't hide the track and necessary fencing in its entirety;

·  The road circuit and the mountain bike zone should not occupy both sides of the river which would allow spectators to view events from the other side of the river Lea;

·  There is concern about the usage of the public space in the Velodrome site during Games Mode as the Main Stadium and most of the Olympic Park entrances are located in the south of the park.  Therefore, accessible and active public open space around the Velodrome venue is very important to attract people to go to the northern part of the park.  There is however no public realm strategy and movement analysis within the design and access statement;

·  The public open spaces around the west entrance of the venue should become a movement node, connecting the riverside space and providing various activities to attract people to the northern portion of the site;

·  East-west linkages around the Velodrome in Legacy Mode are not clearly defined;

·  The LBH would like to see a Travel Plan produced in consultation with the Host Boroughs and TfL;

·  The LBH would like to see more detail of how pedestrian and cycle routes through the parkland are maintained through the proposed road and BMX track.  We are concerned that the track could potentially cause a barrier against movement via walking and cycling and would like to see detail of how this will be prevented.  East-West and North-South linkages through the parkland are of paramount importance to the LBH.