Brockwell Live Brockwell Park has not been cancelled

Rebekah, standing front centre, launched legal action against the council <i>(Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)</i>
Rebekah, standing front centre, launched legal action against the council (Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)
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A major annual festival series hosted in Brockwell Park is to go ahead as planned after fears it would be cancelled following a High Court ruling. 

Worry that Brockwell Live would be cancelled was sparked after Rebekah Shaman, a local resident and member of Protect Brockwell Park, took legal action against Lambeth Council. 

The motion was taken over the use of parts of the green space for the purpose of the events, the first of which is due to start in just days on May 23. 

The group claims that the park is "over-used and under protected". 

It is understood that Ms Shaman's position focused on planning laws that prohibit a change of use of parks for a period of more than 28 days each year without additional planning consent. 

A spokesperson for Brockwell Live said: "Brockwell Live can confirm that all events in the series will go ahead as planned, including the Lambeth Country Show. 

"Friday's High Court ruling dealt with a particular point of law and whether an administrative process had been carried out correctly.

"We wish to make it clear that no event will be cancelled as a result of the High Court’s decision."

Parent company Summer Events Limited is reported to have applied to Lambeth Council for a new certificate of lawfulness valid for 24 days, following the High Court ruling on the previous certificate. 

Lambeth Council wrote: “The council is urgently considering that application. That consideration does not stop the events proceeding.”

The council has stated that the decision made on May 16 confirmed that statutory permitted development rights are applicable to the change of use proposal. 

It confirmed: "The council did not grant planning permission, permitted development is planning permission granted by statute. 

"The temporary change of use of land, including for events such as Brockwell Live, is permitted by legislation for up to 28 days in a calendar year. The judge affirmed the existence of these rights in court."

READ MORE: Wandsworth Bridge Road to be closed for community spring fayre

Concerns held by Protect Brockwell Park have been addressed by Brockwell Live following the court ruling. 

A spokesperson said: "We take our stewardship of Brockwell Park seriously. As we prepare to deliver these much-loved, culturally significant events, we remain fully committed to its care, upkeep, and long-term wellbeing. 

"With setup nearly complete, we look forward to opening the gates and welcoming festival goers later this week."

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