Colourscape music festival at Clapham Common, London SW4

“↑ To contents 1. Summary of application 1.1 Executive summary 1.1.1 This application seeks full planning permission for the temporary use of part of Clapham Common to host the Colourscape Music Festival 2026, including the installation of a lightweight temporary Colourscape walk in structure and associated infrastructure. The proposed dates for this use are between 8th September 2026 and 24th September 2026, inclusive of set-up and de-installation periods.”

“Visitors walk through the structure experiencing changing spatial sequences accompanied by live music performances, often specifically composed to respond to the environment, alongside arts and educational activities. The festival includes a programme of music, arts and educational workshops for local schools and the public, with activities taking place predominantly within the enclosed installation.”

“↑ To contents 2. Site context and proposal 2.1 Site description 2.1.1 The application site (“Site”) is a small section of open grassland located on the eastern side of Clapham Common, in proximity to the Windmill Drive and the Windmill public house. It is positioned away from residential properties. Clapham Common is a large public open space, measuring approximately 206 acres, located between the London Boroughs of Lambeth and Wandsworth.”

“Image 1: The Site outlined in red in relation to the wider Common 2.1.4 Clapham Common is a designated Conservation Area (CA) and contains several listed buildings and structures. The Common has a rich history of recreational use. Clapham Common has a long tradition of hosting community events and activities, contributing to its communal and cultural significance. It remains publicly accessible throughout the year and is a focal point for local residents and visitors.”

“Image 8: Aerial view of Colourscape on site previously 2.3.4 The submitted plans and documents for this application can be found at 25/03979/RG4 | Temporary use of Clapham Common between the 8th to 24th September 2026 for the Colourscape Music Festival including our lightweight temporary Colourscape walk-in, involving the installation and de-installation of temporary infrastructure including fencing and other temporary structures and ancillary works.”

“↑ To contents 20/00056/RG3 - Application Permitted - Decision date: 10.06.2020 Temporary use of parts of Clapham Common for a range of small, medium, large and major events in 2020, including installation and de-installation of temporary infrastructure including fencing, lighting, PA systems, stages, temporary structures and other ancillary works.”

“The associated impacts in respect of transport, residential amenity, biodiversity, trees, ecology, flooding, sustainability, and public safety have been assessed and are considered to be acceptable. When assessed against the development plan as a whole, officers consider that the proposal accords with its overarching objectives. Any limited conflict with heritage policies is not sufficient to outweigh compliance with the development plan overall.”

“Clapham Common Conservation Area (in Wandsworth Borough) 4.2.3.15 The site is adjacent to the Clapham Common Conservation Area on the Wandsworth side. From views at the borough boundary, particularly looking from Wandsworth into Lambeth, the proposal would be visible within the open landscape of the Common. The introduction of temporary structures and enclosure would result in a localised reduction in openness.”

“There are a number of statutory listed buildings within and surrounding Clapham Common; however, none are located within the application site. The Conservation Officer has assessed the impact on nearby designated heritage assets and concludes that, due to distance and intervening mature tree cover, the proposal would not result in harm to the significance or setting of nearby listed buildings, including Holy Trinity Church (Grade II*), the Bandstand and the Windmill…”

“April 2026. Public consultation ended on 16 th May 2026. No comments were received. Application consultation – external, internal and other consultees 3.3 External consultees Summary of comments Officer response Transport of London…”

“Internal consultees Summary of comments Officer response Conservation and Urban Design The Conservation and Urban Design Officer considers that the proposed temporary Colourscape Music Festival would result in a very low degree of less than substantial harm to the character and appearance of the Clapham Conservation Area and Clapham Common Conservation Area, primarily due to the enclosure of a portion of the Common and the presence of temporary structures.”

“25/03979/RG4 It was MOVED by Councillor Kita Ogden and SECONDED by Councillor Viktor Westerdahl. And RESOLVED Unanimously, 1. To grant conditional planning permission. Agree to delegate authority to the Director of Climate Change, Planning and Transport to finalise the recommended conditions as set out in this report, addenda and/or Planning Applications Committee (PAC) minutes;”