A planning application for festivals in Brockwell Park, London, has received over 300 public comments, with mixed views on the impact of the events
Public Comments on Brockwell Park Festival Events
A planning application for festival events in Brockwell Park this summer has received over 300 public comments online.
Last month, Summer Events Ltd, which runs the Brockwell Live festival series, submitted its first planning application for the 2026 program. Events include Mighty Hoopla and Field Day.
Public Response to the Proposal
Residents had until December 31 to respond to the proposals for the park. Public comments are still being submitted on Lambeth Council’s planning portal. As of now, the plans have received 335 public comments: 217 objections and 113 supporting comments. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) counted five neutral comments.
| Comment Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Objections | 217 |
| Supportive Comments | 113 |
| Neutral Comments | 5 |
Concerns from Objectors
One objector stated they were against the plans because the park is a “vital space for ensuring the welfare, mental health of myself and my family, including my 18-month-old daughter.” They added that construction work and noise would impact the park’s environment.
Another objector expressed concern about the mental health impact of the festivals, stating that living in London can lead to heightened stress. They emphasized the need for spaces like Brockwell Park to escape this stress.
Support for the Plans
Some residents support the plans, praising the “diverse range of events” and their positive impact on the local economy. One supporter mentioned enjoying the events and finding them well-managed and safe.
Another supporter noted that they have lived near the park for four years and have not found the festivals overly noisy or disruptive. They believe the events contribute to the area’s vibrancy.
Details of the Planning Application
Summer Events has applied for temporary planning permission to use just over a quarter of the park for a maximum of 32 days in 2026. The proposed event days would be from May 9 to June 9, 2026, including setup, show days, and weather buffer days.
This is the first planning application for Brockwell Live, which previously operated under permitted development rights. Earlier this year, a judge ruled that Lambeth Council did not have the correct planning permission for the festivals.
Council’s New Strategy
After the council decided not to appeal the ruling, it entered into a “new strategy” with Brockwell Live. The planning application allows locals to comment on the events.
In a controversial decision, the council announced that the Lambeth Country Show, a popular free event since 1974, will not take place next year due to rising costs.
Stakeholder Responses
Stakeholders, including The Brixton Society and Protect Brockwell Park, have responded to the plans. Paragon Planning, representing Protect Brockwell Park, stated that the plans pose an “unacceptable” risk to biodiversity and sensitive habitats.
The objection noted that the proposals constitute inappropriate development on Metropolitan Open Land, causing harm to the park’s character.
Next Steps in the Planning Process
The next stage involves a planning officer checking the proposals against local policies. A site visit to Brockwell Park may occur, and the views of local residents and stakeholders will be considered.
Given the site’s history and the scale of the application, it is likely that the proposals will be reviewed by the council’s Planning Applications Committee at a later date.
