Council scraps plan for increased private use of Burgess Park in major victory for community

In February this year, Southwark Council lodged a planning application that would allow Burgess Park to be used for commercial events and filming for 56 days each year for three years.

The plans were heavily criticised by local residents and community groups as an over-privatisation of public space that would restrict use of the park by the local community.

Earlier this month, the council informed residents that they have withdrawn their application.

In a letter to local residents, Cabinet Member for Parks Cllr Catherine Rose said “We will only use Burgess Park for large-scale events or filming for no more than 28 days this year”.

The letter went on to acknowledge that this intensification of commercial use may have “too great” an impact while bringing “limited benefits”.

The Southwark Lib Dems objected to the original application, arguing that increased private use undermined the benefits of access to public parks for the surrounding communities many of whom have no access to private green space.

Commenting, Local Economy spokesperson for the Southwark Lib Dems Cllr Rachel Bentley said:

“We are so glad to see that Southwark Council has listened to residents. Burgess Park, like all green spaces in London, has immeasurable benefits for the health and happiness of local people, especially in such densely populated areas. The original proposals would have seen access to that space severely restricted for an unacceptable 56 days of the year and would have had a clear negative impact on the community.

Commercial use of parks can benefit our borough, but the council must only do this in a way that has tangible, positive impacts for local communities. Above all, the council must recognise that parks are for the public, not private profit.”