A recent report to the Leyton & Whipps Cross Community Council gave a clearer picture of what is being planned by the Council and the Olympic Delivery Authority for the sell off of Drapers Field:
Proposed use of Drapers Field
It will become an Olympic Village Operations and Support Area – provision including catering support, laundry, deliveries and general maintenance.
Site operation
There will will one main temporary tented structure in the centre, surrounded by smaller temporary buildings. The area will be surrounded by a 4.6 metre weld mesh fence.
Vehicle access from Temple Mills Lane.
Public Consultation
Is scheduled to take place in November 2010. The Council has not said how far this will be circulated. The Liberal Democrat FOCUS Teams will make sure that local people are kept informed, and urge everyone to make their views known.
Planning Application
A formal planning application is expected in January 2011.
Outline Programme
September – December 2011:
The AstroTurf pitch, fencing and floodlighting will be removed. Existing topsoil will also be stripped and removed. Destroying facilities that have cost almost £1.5 million to provide, just over ten years ago.
Whole area will be covered in tarmac, temporary drainage and lighting installed. Double fences will be erected around the site for security. One resident joked that machine gun turrets will be built on the corners.
January – May 2012:
Construction of temporary buildings etc.
May – October 2012:
Village Support Area in operation on a 24-hour basis.
October – December 2012:
Temporary facilities removed and site prepared for legacy works.
December 2012:
Delivery of legacy scheme commences.
There is no indication when the site will be made available for public use, or indeed what facilities will be restored.
Liberal Democrat Petition
Our petition to Save Drapers Field is still running and I hope to make representations the Planning Committee in January. You can sign up on line at:
http://ourcampaign.org.uk/DrapersField
Please encourage your friends and neighbours to support this historic site. Paper copies of the petition can also be printed if you would like to collect signatures to support the campaign.