Three-day music event at Land at Gunnersbury Park, Popes Lane, Ealing, London W3

What was proposed

The application sought a temporary three-day music event, with temporary structures, concessions and facilities, occupying the site for 19 days.

“During operation, a number of temporary structures, including stages, with ancillary facilities including food and drink concessions, toilets, offices and production spaces. The event site perimeter and production area will be secured with temporary fencing. The remainder of the park would be unaffected.”

“The construction and set up of the event would run between Monday 1st September 2025 and Thursday 11th September 2025, with the event days on Friday 12th, Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September 2025. The disassembly of the event would run between Monday 15th September to Friday 19th September 2025.”

Officer report

The site

The event area was within Gunnersbury Park, a listed, protected open space containing heritage buildings, residential boundaries and public transport links.

“Figure 1 Proposed Location Plan 2.1 Gunnersbury Park is a 76ha Grade II Listed Park, designated as Metropolitan Open Land, a Nature Conservation Area and part of the Gunnersbury Park Conservation Area. The park is jointly owned by the Boroughs of Hounslow and Ealing, but lies wholly within the London Borough of Hounslow It is bound to the east by the A406 and to the south by the M4 and A4.”

Officer report

Earlier events

Several temporary music and other events had previously been approved at the park, including events in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

“P/2025/0593 Temporary change of use of area of Gunnersbury Park for the staging of a one-day music event to be held on 03 July 2025. Set-up from 23 June 2025 and clearance by 11 July 2025. Including erection of associated temporary structures, ancillary concessions and facilities. Approved: 20/06/2025 P/2024/1641 Temporary change of use of area of Gunnersbury Park for the staging of a three-day music event to be held on 13th, 14th and 15th September 2024.”

“Including erection of associated temporary structures, ancillary concessions and facilities. Approved: 02/08/2022 00885/A/P26 Temporary change of use of the park for a series of one day concert events between 4th August 2022 and 27th August 2022. Erection of associated temporary structures Approved: 02/08/2022 00885/A/P25 Temporary change of use of the park for a series of special event film screenings between 4th July 2022 and 31st July 2022.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Four objections raised noise, wildlife, public access and covenant concerns, while Ealing and Transport for London raised no objection in principle.

“Excessive Noise Levels, including music and foot traffic. See assessment 6.19 – 6.21 0% biodiversity gain. Threats to local wildlife, including bats, birds, and pollinators. See assessment 6.10 – 6.12 Violation of the 1926 Covenant and Public Access. The park is unusable for 19 days. See assessment 6.2 - 6.9 and 6.24”

“Historic England recommend that any planning permission should ensure the implementation of the safeguards and procedures set out in the applicant’s Ground Management Plan alongside the Gunnersbury CIC’s Post-event Restoration Plan and Ground and its Park Landscape Protection, Maintenance, and Restoration Plan. It should be convinced that the temporary harm is outweighed by wider public benefits.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A councillor and a resident spoke against the application, while the applicant, event organiser and planning consultant spoke in support.

What members discussed

Members considered cultural benefits, the charity’s role, effects on neighbours, previous events, noise controls, enforcement and whether there were planning reasons to refuse.

“When company was launched it inherited a £30,000,000 heritage restoration deficit. So there is a very significant. The charity was obliged to try to address that over its 25 year term. The total gross yield from events this summer, both those within the permitted 28 days and the additional events subject to planning permission was in the region of £800,000.”

“During debate the Cllr Marina commented on the great importance of cultural events but also the need to consider neighbours as well and work collectively together. She felt the charity to be essential for Gunnersbury Park and was open minded on the Application. Cllr Tom Bruce remarked that he lived very near to Twickenham Rugby stadium so was very aware of the impact major events had on neighbours, but would not want events to cease at the stadium.”

Minutes