Old Deer Park will be protected from future redevelopments that could jeopardise its character and history.

Residents, businesses, community groups and organisations have worked with the council to create a Supplementary Planning Document for the park.

The park formed an integral part of the royal estate from the time of Edward III’s palace at Sheen (The original name of Richmond) in the 1300s.

Clouncillor Pamela Fleming, cabinet member for environment, business and community said: “Old Deer Park is steeped in history – going right back to the 1300s when it was an integral part of the Royal estate and home to a monastery.

"It is important that any developments remain sensitive to the Park’s history but also respects the important sporting and community activities which currently take place.

"I would like to thank all the residents, groups and businesses who have worked with us to help shape this important document and I hope when people have read this they will want to explore all this historic area has to offer.”

Other notable royal history is when George III commissioned the building of The King’s Observatory (which still exists) in time to observe the Transit of Venus in 1769.

The park is included as Grade I in Historic England’s Register of Historic Parks and Gardens and is a designated Conservation Area.

It is also home to a number of sports clubs and community groups as well as being an important area for biodiversity.

Once adopted, the Old Deer Park SPD will be taken into account when considering future planning applications to ensure that any prospective developments are sensitive to the historic landscape of the Park.

In addition, the SPD outlines how development should support the important recreational/sporting community activities within it. It also identifies opportunities for enhancements, which reflect its historic context.