LEGAL BLOW TO TREETOP CAMPAIGNERS.

Protesters have lost the latest round of the battle to stop developers moving into Bushy Park.

On Friday, Crown Estates won a High Court battle and was granted a possession order for the site which has been now inhabited by eco-warriors.

The action was bought by Crown Estates who are re-developing the Upper Lodge site, former home to the Admiralty Research Facility.

It followed a writ served against the protesters who moved onto the site earlier this month.

But at the moment they have no plans to enforce the order and are currently holding discussions with the protesters.

A Crown Estates spokesman said: "The planning application was submitted last June and received permission in November.

"The development was supported by English Heritage, the Royal Parks, Friends of Bushy Park and Hampton Wick Residents Association.

"We are currently working with a committee of local people which has been set up with the E-Team acting as facilitators.

"As long as the occupants are able to give assurances about the safety of those on the site the order for possession will not be enforced."

Protesters are concerned new homes on the site could lead to Hampton Hill Gate being demolished to make way for a new main road running through the park.

They fear this will lead to an increase in traffic and will put the safety of park users at risk.

But these claims, along with others including the conversion of a football pitch into a car park, have been refuted by Crown Estates.

In a statement they responded to the protesters' concerns: "Hampton Hill Gate will be re-aligned to allow lorries in and out during the construction but during this period arrangements will be made to ensure the public are kept safe and separate from this traffic."

"After the construction residents of the new properties will have access along this road but there will be strict speed controls and steps have been taken to ensure the gate is otherwise kept closed and the deer herds kept safe."

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