2012 Olympic equestrian to take place in Greenwich 25/03/2010 |
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Greenwich Royal Park will host the equestrian events at the London 2012 Olympics after councilors approved the plans despite opposition from local residents.
More than 30 people objected to the plans to hold equestrian at the Royal Park, saying it would damage the site.
But London 2012 chairman Lord Coe said he made "no apologies" for wanting to use the "beautiful park" as a venue.
Coe added: "I think that the opportunity to showcase one of the most beautiful parks in the world and to be at the centre of one of the greatest sporting events is a good thing.
"With it is the opportunity to allow young people to take up sport and to see something at a local level that might just change their ambitions – I make no apology for that.
"If that can mean using your wonderful park then I support that."
Jill Butler, of the Woodland Trust, said the Olympic plans would damage trees in the park, including some sweet chestnut trees which were up to 300 years old.
One resident described the Olympics as a "virtual takeover of our Royal Park for two years" and said the equestrian events should be staged at traditional riding venues such as Windsor.
Speakers also argued that the congestion caused by spectators getting to the venue would be "unbearable" and that residents would prefer to spend the summer enjoying the park rather than hosting the Olympics.
The Olympic equestrian and modern pentathlon events are set to take place in July and August 2012, while the Paralympics dressage competitions would take place in September 2012.
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