Wandsworth Council is facing backlash over proposed changes to its Open Spaces Events Policy, which critics say could open the floodgates to large-scale commercial events at the expense of local residents and green spaces.
The revised policy, which was debated in a heated council meeting on Wednesday, removes several long-standing restrictions designed to protect parks and commons from excessive noise, damage, and overuse. Among the most controversial changes:
- Axing the 10pm event curfew, meaning events could run later into the night.
- Scrapping decibel noise limits, replacing them with a vague, harder-to-enforce system.
- Allowing events to be held on consecutive weekends, rather than giving parks time to recover.
- Removing the requirement to protect sports pitches, raising concerns about damage to playing fields.
A green light for overcrowded, noisy festivals?
Opposition councillors and community groups have slammed the proposals, accusing the Labour-led administration of trying to push through a more commercialised events model similar to those used in neighbouring boroughs like Lambeth and Merton, where large-scale festivals have sparked years of complaints.
The rules would also reduce the role and influence that community groups like
Friends of Wandsworth Parks and Commons would be able to have on events taking place in the borough’s parks.
Councillor Liz Caddy (Conservative) said the move would be a disaster for Wandsworth’s parks, arguing that the changes put money before residents’ well-being.
“Why are they watering down the policy that exists to protect our commons and parks from overuse and damage from events? Wandsworth is already one of the worst places for children’s sport being cancelled due to poor pitches.”
Council defends ‘modernised’ policy amid public concern
The council insists the policy is simply a draft and that residents will be consulted before any final decision is made.
Councillor Claire Gasser, Cabinet Member for Environment, defended the changes, arguing that more events could bring benefits to local communities and that the council was committed to protecting our green spaces while also allowing residents to enjoy cultural and family-friendly events.
But critics remain unconvinced. Many fear that the removal of key protections could pave the way for more noise, more disruption, and fewer green spaces left for everyday use.
Public consultation or a done deal?
Despite assurances that residents will have their say, some worry the policy is already being fast-tracked with minimal transparency.
Community groups have raised concerns about the lack of prior consultation before the draft was drawn up. One member told us: “Why were we not consulted before the council put forward these changes? It feels like an afterthought.”
The council says residents can submit feedback online before the final version is voted on later this year. However, given the outcry at the recent meeting, many suspect the battle over Wandsworth’s open spaces is just beginning.
When will the consultation open?
We don’t know and the council hasn’t give a date for it either.
When it does appear however, it should appear on the Wandsworth Council Consultations page, or on the Have Your Say – Citizen Space.
If you prefer to provide feedback via email or require further information, you can contact the council directly at consult@wandsworth.gov.uk. Or call the council’s main line at 020 8871 6000 and request to speak with the department handling the Open Spaces Events Policy consultation.
