Lewisham councillors have requested a “root-and-branch review” of improvement plans for Beckenham Place Park, following public concerns about consultation and other issues.

Plans for Lewisham’s largest park included a restored natural lake, wet woodland area, a volunteering hub and an orchard,  and the felling of trees in the park.

Councillors at an Overview and Scrutiny Business meeting requested the plans be reviewed to ensure the public were on board, according to council documents.

Following the meeting, chair Alan Hall told the News Shopper: “Beckenham Place Park is a magnificent park and one of London’s largest.

“Let’s be ambitious for Lewisham and ensure that local residents, park users and local community groups are fully behind any plans for the buildings and activities in this park,” he added.

Carole Hope who ho runs the Save Beckenham Place Park blog, has previously criticised the council for lack of consultation.

She told the News Shopper the review was a “good start” but she had a number of issues with the plans, including the removal of tennis courts and the construction of a natural lake.

“I know there are a lot of people who want to keep the tennis courts. The reason for getting rid of it is that it doesn’t fit in with the coveted 18th century landscape scheme,” she said.

“I am still not convinced the lake is going to work. I know open water swimmers who said they wouldn’t touch it with a barge pole,.”

The redevelopment work began at the park early this year, and is expected to be completed by Spring 2019.

This included the closing the golf course in Beckenham Place Park because it took up a third of the area, according to council documents.

The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded the council £4.9 million to redevelop the park in 2016.