Concerns that city park gigs could be in breach of planning rules

COUNCILLORS have raised concerns about whether a series of concerts at a popular Cardiff park is breaching planning rules after a recent High Court ruling.

- TED PESKETT

Blackweir Live has already had its first gig, with Noah Kahan performing there on Friday, June 27, and the green walls surrounding Blackweir Fields in the city centre Bute Park have been in place since at least June 25.

With the breakdown of the event expected to be completed by July 21, questions have been raised by campaigners about how long the park will be inaccessible for and whether planning approval should have been sought.

It comes after a High Court judge quashed a certificate of lawfulness by Lambeth council in May to allow the use of Brockwell Park in London for a series of gigs for more than 28 days.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats at Cardiff council, Cllr Rodney Berman, asked at a recent full council meeting: “Some residents have suggested that the usage of the fields for these concerts may not be in compliance with current planning consent, so can you assure the council that you are satisfied that the Blackweir Live events constitutes a legal usage of the fields in planning terms?”

Cardiff council's cabinet member for culture, parks and events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “We have worked with local promoters, we are working with local businesses. As I mentioned, this is bringing in £35m worth of local spend.”

She later added: “I am satisfied with the advice from officers that we have followed the right path and processes.”