High Court allows Brockwell Park festivals to go ahead after legal challenge fails
A High Court judge has ruled that two music festivals at Brockwell Park can go ahead, dismissing a legal challenge over whether the events count as “recreation”.
Juliet Chambers, a local resident, had argued that Lambeth Council acted unlawfully by allowing parts of the park to be used for major festivals including Field Day and Mighty Hoopla. The case turned on how the council had interpreted the term when granting temporary planning permission.
Mr Justice Jay rejected that argument, ruling that recreation includes cultural activities. In his judgment, he described recreation as “a pastime which is pursued for the pleasure or interest it provides”, concluding that music festivals fall within that definition.
Planning permission allows a temporary change of use for part of the park for up to 32 days. During that period, most of Brockwell Park will remain open, with the council saying about 74 per cent of the space will stay accessible to the public.
In court, Richard Harwood KC, representing Chambers, argued the decision was unlawful. Lawyers for the council said assessments found no unacceptable harm and pointed to a number of identified public benefits linked to the events.
The ruling means this summer’s festivals will go ahead as planned, bringing large crowds back into Brockwell Park. Parks like this are now used for more than everyday public space. They host events, draw people in, and at times become the focus of debate about how shared space should be used, something that sits more comfortably in smaller community programmes in places like Richmond.
Further information on planning policy and park use is available via the Lambeth Council website.
For more reporting on London’s public spaces and the decisions shaping how they are used, follow EyeOnLondon.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
