A HOSPICE for terminally ill children may be about to win its battle against an ancient law which threatened to deny access to emergency vehicles.
Haven House Hospice in the High Road, Woodford Green, is accessed by a potholed private road which it shares with the neighbouring Woodford Rugby Club, and which it wanted to repave.
But its plans were floored by the Corporation of London which said they foul of the 1878 Epping Forest Act that protects the green spaces in the area.
Hospice managers said that a 20ft-wide path was needed to allow ambulances and minibuses to pass safely, but the Corporation was insisting on no more than 15ft.
After the intervention of the Guardian, the corporation is considering a compromise of 18ft, pending the agreement of its trustees.
Mike Palfreman, chief executive of Haven House, said: “Clearly we have some reason for optimism, though it is a cautious optimism and we will have to see what the outcome of the corporation’s meeting is.”
Charles Price of Woodford RFC said: “I spoke to the corporation a few days ago and they basically said that they were willing to have another look.
“I am pleased that maybe we can detect a little bit of flexibility.”
Paul Thomson, the superintendent of Epping Forest, said: “Mr Price has made us an offer and we are pleased to consider it.”
He said that a final decision would be made after consulting the corporation’s trustees on January 4.
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