Events in Parks Policy Consultation - Access - Enabling more residents in more parts of the borough to access events - Have your say

Access - Enabling more residents in more parts of the borough to access events

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.

Allowing events on grass areas in Winter

Proposed change: Previously, no events were allowed on grass from 30 September - 1 April (except for certain sports). The new policy allows events during this period on a case-by-case basis.

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: Events are not allowed on grass from 30 September – 1 April, except for certain sports (e.g., the Boat Race).

Rationale for change: To enable events in other parks, commons, and open spaces during the specified period, subject to careful assessment of the impact on grassed areas.

Protecting ecological sites

Proposed change: Events will now be prohibited not just on, but also next to areas of ecological importance.

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: Events are not allowed on sites of ecological importance.

Rationale for change: To ensure that events can take place in larger parks away from areas of specific ecological importance.

Use of sports pitches

Proposed change: Not all pitches are used all year. Different sports have different playing seasons. Events should minimise impact but may still be allowed based on case-by-case assessment outside of the playing season.

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: Events cannot disrupt the maintenance or operation of sports pitches.

Rationale for change: Amended as the impact on maintenance can be managed so a case-by-case assessment is needed. The revised wording enables this.

Changing event end times

Proposed change: The existing 10pm event end time remains, but some exceptions (e.g., New Year’s Eve, major international events) may be approved on a case-by-case basis. If an event needs a premises licence, then the licensing process would determine the end time. All licensing applications include a separate consultation.

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: All events must end by 10pm.

Rationale for change:

1. To remove the explanatory text and retain the policy clause only.

2. To clarify that the event itself must stop at 10pm with egress permitted after this (or as agreed through the licensing process).

3. The provide the opportunity to go beyond this time in certain circumstances.