Activists asserting that summer festivals are inflicting lasting harm on a park in south London have initiated legal proceedings against the local authority.

The group Protect Brockwell Park contends that events like Brockwell Live, which attracts over 285,000 visitors across nine days, are causing irreparable damage to the green space.

Prominent supporters of the campaign include actor Sir Mark Rylance, who has criticized these festivals for damaging “the grass, trees, and plant life for months, if not indefinitely.”

In response, Lambeth Council stated that an independent assessment identified areas used for these events as “low ecological sensitivity grassland,” confirming that “no ecological damage” resulted from them.

The campaign group, along with eight additional local, environmental, and park organizations, has addressed an open letter to Lambeth Council, urging it to halt “large-scale, unsustainable events” that are “compromising the ecological integrity of the park” and to reevaluate the permit granted for this year’s Brockwell Live music festival.

Earlier this month, Protect Brockwell Park also initiated High Court judicial review proceedings to contest the council’s decision permitting the commercial events under “permitted development” regulations.

According to the campaign group, this decision circumvented essential “planning scrutiny” needed for what they described as a “significant, detrimental change of use” in the park, which they argue should necessitate a comprehensive planning application.

Lucy Akrill, co-founder of Protect Brockwell Park, remarked, “Brockwell Park is not suited for large festivals; it serves as a crucial ecological and community refuge.

“We’re not opposed to festivals entirely; however, the scale, frequency, and impact on the environment of these gatherings are simply not sustainable. The council needs to stop treating this park as a commercial resource and start honoring its true significance.”

Supporting the activists, BAFTA-winning actor Sir Mark expressed that Brockwell Park is inherently a “space for both people and nature.”

“The installation of large steel barriers for Brockwell Live every summer devastates the park for extended periods and negatively impacts the grass, trees, and plant life for months, if not permanently,” he stated.

In past years, residents living near the park have voiced frustration over “nightmare” noise levels associated with music festivals.

Nonetheless, some individuals support events like Brockwell Live.

Jennifer Labbett-Kelleher, owner of the nearby independent live music venue Off The Cuff, mentioned that the festival boosts foot traffic and job opportunities for her business.

“We sincerely hope that no actions deter Brockwell Live from nurturing and celebrating our community, showcasing Brockwell as a jewel of London, and providing an excellent venue for selected concerts and events,” she noted.

“Business owners like myself have faced numerous challenges to stay afloat since the Covid pandemic delivered a devastating blow to the hospitality sector, from which we are still recovering.”

A representative from Lambeth Council confirmed that they had received a pre-action protocol notice regarding the judicial review claim for Brockwell Park and are currently reviewing it.

They also highlighted that the council allocates £500,000 annually for park maintenance and that events held in the park contribute positively to the local economy and provide jobs and revenue for residents, especially in light of the pressures faced by high streets and small businesses, with numerous pubs closing down.

“We actively engage with local residents living around the park, as well as the broader Lambeth community, recognizing Brockwell Park’s significance to the entire borough,” the spokesperson added.

“Collaborating on the Lambeth Country Show alongside Brockwell Live saved the council £700,000 last year, while also securing over £150,000 for park enhancements and local community initiatives.”

A representative for Brockwell Live affirmed their commitment to understanding the park’s significance for local residents and emphasized their serious approach to stewardship.

“We encourage oversight and maintain open lines of communication with residents, council members, and community organizations at all times,” they stated.