Campaigners launch legal challenge over whether live events in London park fall under permitted development

A campaign group has issued a letter before claim against Lambeth Council's decision to find plans for a series of live events in a London park fell under permitted development rights.

Lambeth granted an application for a certificate of lawfulness in March, allowing five upcoming live music events to take place on part of the park in 2025.

A decision notice issued under section 192 Town and Country Planning Act 1990 labelled the development as lawful as it fell within the scope of the permitted development rights contained in Schedule 2, Part 4, Class B of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development (England) Order 2015.

However, local campaign group 'Protect Brockwell Park' has hit out against the decision, describing the council's planning procedures as "unlawful".

The group sent a pre-action letter on Wednesday (9 April) challenging the decision, which allows commercial events to take place in the park without planning permission.

According to the group, large-scale events in the park are "unsustainable" and disturb wildlife, compact the soil, and fence off large areas of the park for weeks at a time.

"We have repeatedly raised our concerns with Lambeth Council, but our voices have fallen on deaf ears", the group said on its crowd funding page.

It added: "Lambeth has ignored petitions that have garnered thousands of signatures, local residents’ distress, and the adverse ecological impact on the park over the years.

"The council has also failed to properly follow correct procedures and properly consult with local residents."

The crowd funding effort has seen more than £30,000 donated to cover legal costs.

Lambeth Council has been approached for comment.

Adam Carey