Brockwell Park festivals to proceed after High Court dismisses challenge

It has been reported that a High Court Judge has dismissed the challenge raised by a local campaigner to not use parts of Brockwell Park in London for a series of festivals this summer. The local campaigner, named Juliet Chambers, sought to legally challenge the council, with the claim that the planning permission granted was "unlawful" (according to her representative, Richard Harwood KC).

The chanllenge would have affected, Field Day, City Splash and Mighty Hoopla which are still on scheudle to take place later this month. According to BBC News, Mr Justice Jay dismissed the bid and said that the park is being used for "recreation", adding that "it is clear in my view that this musical festival is a cultural activity". 

The campaign group made up of  locals in the Brixton area, complained that such "large-scale" events cause environmental damage and block public access to the park for extended periods. Previously the group had won twice with their claims, resuting in Brockwell Live, who run festivals at Lambeth park, to obtain full planning permission. 

However, unsatified with the grant permission to those same events last month by Lambeth Council, repreisentive for the council came forward to say, "uring 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." 

For now no further action is being taken against the events. With a Brockwell Live spokesperson sharing, "These live music events are enjoyed by the vast majority of the public and are part of a rich history of live music in the park dating back to 1978, when it hosted the Rock Against Racism concert. Brockwell Live celebrates diversity, music and culture. Yesterday’s decision ensures that this will continue."

Think Festivals Think Skiddle. So why not check out the one place where you can find tickets for all the best festivals at Brockwell Park here on Skiddle!

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