A meeting of Lambeth council’s licensing sub-committee deferred a decision on a licence for Brockwell Hall in Brockwell Park.
It considered 39 comments on the application for a licence – 37 objecting to the application on the grounds of noise, public safety and “public nuisance”.
The application had sought permission for activities, including plays, films, indoor sporting events, live and recorded music, performances of dance, and the sale of alcohol.
Lucy Zaman, head of Lambeth council’s chief executive’s office, told the committee that the venue is not primarily a music venue, but a space for celebrations, meetings, and community events.
She said sound levels would be limited, vehicle access tightly controlled, and a dispersal policy implemented.
The Grade II* listed hall, completed in 1813, has been refurbished in a £6m operation, £3.3m of which came from the National Lottery’s Heritage Fund. It was due to open in spring this year.
It is currently advertised online as a wedding venue and its outdoor Stables Yard recently hosted Brockfest, a showcase for more than 30 young performers and part of the Herne Hill Music Festival.
Local residents, including film producer Lucy Akrill, co-founder of Protect Brockwell Park, which campaigned against the Brockwell Live music events earlier this year, were concerned about potential “noise nuisance”, particularly from amplified music in the courtyard, as well as the impact on park users and nearby residents.
She said that she could hear music clearly in her home, even with the windows shut, during community events.
Objectors also raised concerns about the broadness of proposed licensable activities, a lack of clarity on noise limits, and the potential for anti-social behaviour.
See the full list of objections here.
Councillor Isla Wrathmell, who represents Vauxhall, asked about noise levels in the park during daytime, particularly in the walled garden area. Lucy Zaman said tests had shown there was “minimal impact”.
Councillor Martin Tiedemann, Clapham Park, raised concerns about the 9am start time for licensable activities and the potential for noise to travel, particularly with windows open.
He also asked about contact details for residents to make complaints. Lucy Zaman said that she would look into establishing an out-of-hours line.
She said the council did not want to cap the number of events at the hall.
After lengthy discussion and hearing from both the applicant and objectors, the committee decided to defer a decision, citing the lateness of the hour and the many issues raised.
Architects Pringle Richards Sharratt (PRS) say refurbishment of the hall was developed from a detailed conservation plan and significance study that was agreed with local stakeholders and Historic England.
“Ultimately, this is a community-led project that has developed through working closely with all key local groups led by the stakeholder forum for the park, the Brockwell Park Community Partners,” the architects said.
“The project involves restoring the hall to its former glory. The principal reception rooms will be cleared of the current clutter of unsightly kitchens to make way for new gallery spaces for the exhibition and interpretation of the history of the park, the Hall that sits within it, and the communities that engage with both,” said PRS.
“The currently inaccessible Painted Room, with its original 1896 Henry Strachey wall hangings, will become the heart of the transformed café that will spill out onto the south-facing terrace.
“A new community events space will be created within the current Stables Yard to function as a local hub and event venue for schools and the local community.”
Organisers of the Brockwell Live events are inviting local residents to their final “community meeting” of 2025.
They say it will be a chance for residents and local businesses to share feedback with the Brockwell Live team following this year’s events.
There will be two sessions, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, to ensure as many people as possible can attend.
Brockwell Live said a new independent chair would “help guide open and inclusive discussions”. Previous meetings have been described as angry and confrontational.
The meetings are on Tuesday 7 October at Herne Hill Baptist Church, Half Moon Lane, SE24 9HU. Afternoon 4–5.30pm; evening 6.30–8pm.
This report uses information from the Open Council Network
