Planned increases in Kenwood concerts opposed

English Heritage, who run the Kenwood Estate, have applied to Camden for changes to their licence for events. They want to have the 8-day season of Major Events (an event with over 10,000 people) between 1 June and 30 September, a month longer than at present. They have at the same time applied for events smaller than that to be able to be held without any limit, year-round. In the application no distinction is made between events with 200, 5,000, or 9,000 people.

The Heath & Hampstead Society has objected to the plans. They draw attention to the damage to the landscape and wildlife, the shutting off of parts of the Kenwood Estate for several days for each event, and the noise nuisance. They also point out the fact that any number of events of, say, 9,000 people would be licensed to take place throughout the year – 9,000 still being a pretty big event.

The Highgate Society agrees with these observations. The changes would make it possible for the Kenwood Estate to become an entertainment centre instead of a place for people to peacefully enjoy one of the most beautiful natural environments in London. The balance between being open to the public and its use to stage money-raising events would be lost. It is important that any changes ensure that balance is preserved and we have offered to become involved in discussions to ensure that any changes to the licence maintain it.

The application will be considered by the Licensing Panel at 7.00 pm on 28 July. The meeting can be viewed online. Full details here https://democracy.camden.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=154&MId=10307&Ver=4