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High Court backs Brockwell Park festivals after residents’ planning challenge is thrown out
A High Court judge has dismissed a challenge against Brockwell Park festivals, allowing Field Day, City Splash and Mighty Hoopla to go ahead.
A High Court judge has thrown out a legal challenge aimed at stopping the festivals set for Brockwell Park, clearing the way for another summer of big crowds in south London.
The case had put events including Mighty Hoopla, Wide Awake and Field Day in doubt after local campaigner Juliet Chambers argued last summer that Lambeth Council had granted the festivals the wrong planning permission. Chambers, alongside a group of Brixton residents, claimed the so-called large-scale events damaged the environment and kept the public out of the park for too long.
But Mr Justice Jay sided with the council, ruling that the word recreation had been interpreted correctly. In his view, recreation meant a pastime pursued for “the pleasure or interest it provides,” and, as he put it, “It is clear in my view that this musical festival is a cultural activity.”
That decision means this month’s Brockwell Park lineup can now go ahead, with Field Day, City Splash and Mighty Hoopla all scheduled for later in May. The council’s permission allows for a temporary change of use covering up to 32 days.
Sasha White KC, speaking for Lambeth Council, told the court that the rest of the park would stay open during the events. “During the events the rest of the park will be retained as public open space, therefore leaving 74% of the park open to the public throughout this period,” White said.
He also said assessments found no “unacceptable harm” would come from the permission and that nine separate benefits had been identified.
Back in February, Lambeth Council unanimously signed off on plans for Field Day, Cross The Tracks, City Splash and Mighty Hoopla in the final weeks of May. Wide Awake, which has become one of Brockwell Park’s regular fixtures, is taking the year off.
At the time, the council’s Planning Applications Committee said it had weighed noise controls, environmental impact and the cultural and economic value of the festivals, including an estimated £10 million boost for the local economy.
Last year’s Wide Awake bill featured Kneecap, CMAT, English Teacher, Daniel Avery and Nadine Shah, while earlier editions have brought Primal Scream, Self Esteem and Amyl and the Sniffers to the park.
Mighty Hoopla returns on May 30 and 31 with Lily Allen, Scissor Sisters and Jessie J leading the line-up. Tickets are available here.
Field Day is set for May 23, with Floating Points, Honey Dijon and Joy Orbison among the acts announced. Tickets are available here.
