London borough wins High Court challenge over Brockwell Park festivals

The south London park is set to host a five-day music festival this month, attracting thousands of visitors.

Local campaigner Juliet Chambers brought a judicial review challenge against Lambeth Council, arguing that the authority had incorrectly interpreted the concept of “recreation” when approving the use of part of the park for the events.

Campaign group Protect Brockwell Park which is supporting the litigation, claimed in April the decision to grant permission for the events was based on “flawed reasoning, missing evidence, and vague environmental promises”.

In a statement on its website, announcing the legal challenge last month, it said: “We consider that a large, commercial, ticketed festival is being treated as if it were an ordinary use of a protected public park."

An update provided by Landmark Chambers confirmed that Mr Justice Jay has now dismissed the claim, after concluding that “recreation” includes activities undertaken for pleasure or interest, and that music festivals fall within the scope of cultural activity.

Sasha White KC and Matthew Henderson, of Landmark Chambers, both acted for the London borough. Richard Harwood KC, of 39 Essex Chambers, acted for the claimant.

According to Landmark Chambers, Sasha White KC submitted that approximately 74% of the park would remain accessible to the public throughout the event period.

He also argued that assessments had suggested no “unacceptable harm” as a result of the planning permission, and a number of benefits had been recognised.

The recent litigation is the second claim brought by Protect Brockwell Park over events in the park.

Last year, the group successfully launched a High Court bid challenging the council’s reliance on permitted development rights to authorise commercial events in the park.

The authority initially sought to appeal that ruling but withdrew its challenge less than a week before a scheduled Court of Appeal hearing.

It subsequently resolved to seek planning permission for future events in the park and announced that one of the park's yearly fixtures - the Lambeth Country Show - would not take place in 2026.

Adam Carey