High Court bid fails to stop Brockwell Park festivals

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A campaigner has lost a High Court bid to try to prevent several music festivals going ahead at Brockwell Park, in Lambeth, south London.

The park hosts a series of events which attract hundreds of thousands of people, including Field Day and Mighty Hoopla.

Resident Juliet Chambers wanted to legally challenge Lambeth Council over its decision to use parts of the park for the events, due to start in May, saying it had misinterpreted the word "recreation".

However, Mr Justice Jay dismissed the bid, saying recreation was a "pastime which is pursued for the pleasure or interest it provides... It is clear in my view that this musical festival is a cultural activity."

Protect Brockwell Park

The planning permission granted by the council allows a temporary change of use for part of the park, covering a period of up to 32 days.

In written submissions, Richard Harwood KC, for Juliet Chambers, said the granting of planning permission was "unlawful".

Sasha White KC, representing Lambeth Council, told the court: "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 added that assessments suggested no "unacceptable harm" would arise as a result of planning permission being granted, and that nine individual benefits had been identified.

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