Following the high court decision, Lambeth Council has released an official statement clarifying the situation regarding upcoming festivals in Brockwell Park this bank holiday weekend.
The council emphasised that while the judge quashed the certificate relating to Brockwell Live events, this certificate only confirmed that statutory permitted development rights applied to the proposal. The council itself did not grant planning permission; rather, permitted development is a form of planning permission granted by statute.
According to the council, temporary change of use for events like those organised by Brockwell Live is permitted by legislation for up to 28 days per calendar year. The judge affirmed these rights in court.
The statement reads: “The council is urgently considering that application. That consideration does not stop the events proceeding.”
The council also noted that the new certificate application is for 24 days-well within the allowed limit. Most importantly, consideration of this application does not prevent the scheduled events from proceeding.
Lambeth Council further highlighted the positive impact of these festivals, stating that they provide entertainment for younger people, are strongly supported by the community, and offer a boost to local small businesses, especially in the hospitality sector.
The council also pointed out that the events are scheduled for late May and early June to ensure the park is fully available during the school holidays.
In summary, despite the legal challenge and the quashing of the previous certificate, Lambeth Council has taken steps to ensure that the upcoming festivals, including Field Day and Mighty Hoopla, can still go ahead as planned, pending the approval of the new certificate application.
Brockwell Live, the events firm that organises these events also put out a statement:
“Brockwell Live can confirm that all events in the series will go ahead as planned. Friday’s High Court ruling dealt with a particular point of law and whether an administrative process had been carried out correctly. We wish to make it clear that no event will be cancelled as a result of the High Court’s decision. We take our stewardship of Brockwell Park seriously. As we prepare to deliver these much-loved, culturally significant events, we remain fully committed to its care, upkeep, and long-term wellbeing. With setup nearly complete, we look forward to opening the gates and welcoming festival goers later this week.”
You can read Lambeth Council’s full statement here.