Londoners and mayor Boris Johnson are to be handed more input in the management of the capital's eight Royal Parks under plans outlined by heritage minister John Penrose.

In a written ministerial statement, Penrose said that the creation of a new Royal Parks Board is proposed, while giving the mayor power of appointment over its chair and members. Penrose also confirmed plans to direct the new board to establish new processes that would give local communities and park users a role in decision making.

However, the Royal Parks would remain under Crown ownership and overall responsibility of the culture secretary following the implementation of Penrose's proposals. Penrose said: "It is right and fair that Londoners have a greater say in how the Royal Parks in their city are run. For too long they have been managed by central government, with MPs from across the UK having the power to micro-manage what they do.

"It's time to put this right. Fortunately we won't need primary legislation to do so and we will shortly be announcing the arrangements we will use to bring it about." The Royal Parks are Bushy Park; Green Park; Greenwich Park; Hyde Park; Kensington Gardens; Regent's Park and Primrose Hill; Richmond Park; and St James's Park.

Image: Hyde Park – Green Lane