Richmond Events in Parks Policy Consultation - Impact - Improving the management and mitigation of event impacts - Have your say - Citizen Space

Skip to Main Content

Impact - Improving the management and mitigation of event impacts

The questions on this page ask you about the proposed changes to each element of the draft policy. If you would like to read the rationale for each one, please click on the drop down links.

Event size

Proposed change: The policy makes it clearer how we calculate the size of an event. The existing policy does not distinguish between events where people can come and go (like a funfair) and ticketed events with a fixed capacity (like concerts). The policy does not increase or decrease the event. It introduces the following event size categories:

Small (up to 499)
Medium (500–4,999)
Large (5,000–9,999)
Major (10,000+)

Please tell us your thoughts about the proposed change.

Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale. Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale.

Current policy: Small (up to 499), Medium (500–4,999), Large (5,000+), with no separate category for Major events or for calculating the audience size.

Rationale for change: To provide clear thresholds for operational planning, consultation, in line with best practices across London.

Frequency of larger events

Proposed change: Limits will be introduced for the frequency of large and major events and for managing events on consecutive weekends. The policy limits the number of large and major events over a 6-month period.

Please tell us your thoughts about the proposed change.

Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale. Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale.

Current policy: No specific limits on event frequency.

Rationale for change: To make sure parks are available for a range of uses (including recreational needs) and to minimise impact on local communities and the environment.

Weekend events

Proposed change: Weekend events must be open to the public unless held in private, standalone facilities that are normally closed to the public in any case.

Please tell us your thoughts about the proposed change.

Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale. Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale.

Current policy: No distinction made regarding weekend events or their accessibility.

Rationale for change: To ensure clarity around the use of public spaces and allow limited private hire in appropriate locations.

Noise control

Proposed change: Events that involve significant noise generating sources, must follow best practice guidelines for noise, including providing noise management plans. Noise limits for events will be set through the licencing process. Other events must not be audible outside the park boundaries.

Please tell us your thoughts about the proposed change.

Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale. Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale.

Current policy: Noise must be kept to reasonable levels, with some licensing and monitoring requirements.

Rationale for change: To set an overarching policy approach, align with national guidance and ensure a consistent approach for all event sizes.

Event finish times

Proposed change: Events not subject to licencing permissions must end by 10pm. Later finishes allowed only in exceptional cases, such as international sporting events. The finish times for all events requiring a licence will be determined through the licencing process.

Please tell us your thoughts about the proposed change.

Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale. Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale.

Current policy: No curfew for event finish times.

Rationale for change: To manage and reduce disruption, while ensuring licensed events remain subject to statutory processes.

Licencing permissions

Proposed change: Clarifies the need for a Premises Licence or Temporary Events Notice (TEN) for small and large events, and that land hire permission is separate from the TEN or Premises Licence.

Please tell us your thoughts about the proposed change.

Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale. Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale.

Current policy: The policy refers to licensing but does not clearly state the obligation on event organisers.

Rationale for change: To make statuatory permission responsibilities clearer for organisers.

Ecology and biodiversity

Proposed change: Events will not be allowed in or next to areas identified as ecologically important.

Please tell us your thoughts about the proposed change.

Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale. Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale.

Current policy: Biodiversity protection is mentioned, but specific zones are not restricted.

Rationale for change: To better protect sensitive ecological areas within parks.

Sustainability

Proposed change: Organisers must take steps to reduce waste and pollution and encourage public transport and low-carbon choices.

Please tell us your thoughts about the proposed change.

Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale. Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale.

Current policy: No overarching sustainability policy that includes carbon reduction and air equality.

Rationale for change: To align with council-wide sustainability and environmental goals.

Grass areas

Proposed change: Use of grass areas between 30 Sept - 1 Apr will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Event organisers must ensure that vehicles are not on site without consent and may be required to make alternative provisions in case of inclement weather.

Please tell us your thoughts about the proposed change.

Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale. Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale.

Current policy: Grass protection measures required, but not season specific.

Rationale for change: To ensure grass protection in wetter months while allowing flexible use.

Trees

Proposed change: No change proposed.

Please tell us your thoughts about the proposed change.

Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale. Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale.

Current policy: The policy requires the protection of trees and their roots.

Rationale for change: To assess and mitigate potential impact on trees on a case-by-case basis.

Scope of the policy

Proposed change: The policy applies to all events in parks, open spaces, commons and towpaths, but not to small fitness sessions, sports bookings or street parties and other events on public highways.

Please tell us your thoughts about the proposed change.

Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale. Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale.

Current policy: The current policy does not clarify when it applies.

Rationale for change: To clarify when the policy applies.

Definition of an event

Proposed change: Defines events as organised activities of 30+ people, with infrastructure (like gazebos, tables or sound systems) or licensable activity.

Please tell us your thoughts about the proposed change.

Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale. Click here for more information on this policy change and its rationale.

Current policy: No clear definition.

Rationale for change: To help residents and organisers understand when an application is needed.