Temporary events use at Potters Fields Park, Bermondsey, London SE1

What was proposed

The application sought five-year permission for events and temporary structures covering no more than 800 square metres, for up to 80 days annually.

“25/AP/1899 for Full Planning Application Address: Potters Fields Park, Potters Fields, London Southwark SE1 2SG Proposal: Temporary use of the open space for events with the erection of associated temporary structures (cumulatively no more than 800 sq. metres) for no more than 80 days in any one calendar year, for a period of five years.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is 0.741 hectares of Metropolitan Open Land with grass, trees and public paths beside the Thames, surrounded by homes, offices and landmarks.

“The application site is an area of Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) covering 0.741 hectares at Potters Fields Park, located on the north side of Tooley Street, comprised of green open spaces, trees, and public pathways. It is managed by Potters Fields Park Management Trust (the Trust). The site is adjoined by the Thames to the north of the site.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions allowed temporary events with structures for up to 66 days and then 75 days annually.

“Planning history 7. Planning permission 20/AP/0210 was granted on 19 June 2020 for the following: Temporary use of the open space for events with the erection of associated temporary structures (cumulatively no more than 800 sq. metres) for no more than 75 days in any one calendar year, until 9 October 2025. (Amendment and renewal of existing temporary consent ref: 15/AP/1776). The decision was made by Planning Sub-Committee B on 9 June 2020. 9.”

“The decision was made by Planning Sub-Committee A on 7 September 2015.”

Officer report

Effects on neighbours and heritage

Conditions would limit event hours, music, lighting and management, while the temporary structures’ heritage harm was considered less than substantial.

“While renewal of the temporary permission can be acceptable given previous precedents, careful consideration is required to ensure that the proposal does not result in cumulative harm over time. The revised proposal for a five-year permission (reduced from the originally proposed 12 years) is considered more proportionate and would allow for a future review should circumstances change. 39.”

“The Event Hire Guide also outlines protections for nearby residents, including the prevention of lighting from being angled towards nearby residential and commercial occupiers, and compliance with the Institution of Lighting Professionals guidance on mitigating the impact of lighting. Subject to this existing control, the proposal would not present a significant risk to nearby occupiers in this regard. 45.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

Representatives of the Potters Fields Management Trust addressed the committee and answered members’ questions; no objectors, local supporters or ward councillors spoke.

The committee vote

A motion to grant permission subject to the officer conditions was moved, seconded and carried.

“A motion to grant the application subject to conditions set out in the officer’s report, was moved, seconded, put to the vote and declared carried.”

Minutes

The decision and condition

Permission was granted subject to conditions, with the music condition amended to allow rare exceptions and require an inspection log.

“That planning permission be granted subject to conditions set out of the report and the amendment Condition 7 (music on site) set out below:”

“Amended Condition 7: The playing of music on site shall not take place outside of the hours 10:00 to 20:00 on Mondays to Saturdays or 11:00 to 19:00 on Sundays, apart from in rare exceptions as set out in approved document ‘Event Hire Guide Potters Fields Park Management Trust Issue: April 2025’. A log of all ‘rare exception’ events at the site shall be kept on site and be made available at the site for inspection by the local planning authority at all reasonable times.”

Minutes