News / downs
‘The Downs should not be the subject of secret deals behind closed doors’
A group of users of the Downs are committed to stand up for their rights to enjoy one of Bristol’s most popular green spaces against the backdrop of a “secret” parking deal which they believe to be unlawful.
Downs for People are fighting against the granting of a licence for unlimited use of grassland off Ladies Mile for overflow Bristol Zoo parking for up to 28 days a year over the next 20 years.
The group are now crowdfunding in order to raise money to pay for their expected hefty legal bills as they fight both the Downs Committee and Bristol City Council in the courts.
is needed now More than ever
It was only revealed through a Freedom of Information request that the Downs Committee – made up of elected city councillors and unelected members of the Society of Merchant Venturers – had approved a licence for unlimited use of the land for parking for 20 years.
“Such a long permission contravenes the City Council’s planning policies as well as the Downs Act,” say Downs for People on their crowdfunding page.
“For reasons which are not clear, the Downs Committee did not grant a licence itself: the Society of Merchant Venturers granted a licence to Bristol City Council, which granted a sub-licence to the Zoo.”
In August, Downs for People lodged judicial review proceedings in the High Court and the group is seeking funding to cover the next phase of the case.
They say: “This is our last chance to keep this part of the Downs open for people to enjoy… The Downs Committee and Bristol City Council seem determined to make the case as expensive as possible.”
They added: “We call on all those who love the Downs and who want to see them managed properly, for the benefit of all Bristolians, to help us. The Downs should not be for rent to preferred bidders, the subject of secret deals behind closed doors.”
Because of upcoming legal proceedings, Bristol City Council, Bristol Zoo and the Society of Merchant Venturers were all unable to comment.
Main photo: Susan Carter
Read more: Police called to car show on Downs
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
