Overview
- The Bexley Planning Committee voted to approve Go Ape’s application for three rope courses in Danson Park following a multi‑hour hearing on Thursday night that ended with boos and security called to the public gallery.
- Residents lodged nearly 650 formal objections and a petition of more than 2,000 signatures opposing the plans over worries about commercial use, trees, wildlife, parking and noise.
- Council officers told councillors they found no ancient woodland on the site, a finding cited by members as a key planning justification for approval.
- Go Ape told the committee the scheme would create 18 to 30 part‑time roles, include tree‑care inspections and place staff onsite who the company said could reduce antisocial behaviour.
- A Conservative councillor’s claim that youths had been beheading cats in local parks was repeated in the meeting but is unverified in reporting, leaving anger and calls for greater scrutiny from opponents who say the Grade II listing and heritage impacts merit further challenge.