Decision Pending on Gunnersbury Park Licence Review
Residents' group wants change to current 'unbreachable' arrangements
A DJ at an event in Gunnersbury Park. Picture: Festival Republic
March 30, 2026
Following a contentious hearing this Friday (27 March), Hounslow Council’s licensing panel has adjourned to weigh the future of major commercial events at Gunnersbury Park.
The review, triggered by the Gunnersbury Park Garden Estate Residents Association (GPGERA), marks a key moment for a campaign that claims a public green space has been effectively "stolen" by a full schedule of music festivals and corporate closures. The formal challenge centres on the park’s transformation into what it describes as a high-intensity commercial venue, with residents documenting that the park was closed or restricted for a 98 days in 2025 alone.
Pete Bainbridge, representing the association, told the panel that the current licensing arrangement is essentially unbreachable, rendering over 600 noise complaints from the previous year effectively toothless. He argued that the current 75-decibel limit is far too permissive for a residential neighbourhood and described the persistent low-frequency vibrations as a direct infringement on the basic right to quiet enjoyment of local homes. Beyond the noise, the panel was presented with evidence of physical decay. Soil analysis conducted by the Royal Horticultural Society revealed that heavy staging and machinery have pushed soil acidity levels to a pH of 3.2, a state described by experts as nearly irreversible.
Residents further detailed the emergence of "dust bowls" and mini-tornadoes that pose respiratory risks to local children and elderly neighbours, painting a picture of a landscape struggling to survive its own success as a venue. Accessibility was another flashpoint during the testimony, with reports of disabled residents being diverted away from paved paths so that promoter vehicles could take priority, while large crowds were allegedly funnelled through local playgrounds during mass exits, raising significant safeguarding concerns.
Support for the residents has been vocal, with Councillor Joanna Biddolph highlighting the "unprecedented" quality of the evidence gathered. She pointed to a 2025 High Court ruling regarding Brockwell Park as a legal benchmark, suggesting that Gunnersbury’s current operations may be skirting the necessity for full planning permission due to the sheer duration of its commercial activity.
In response, a spokesperson for the Gunnersbury Park Community Interest Company stated they are cooperating fully with the council and remain committed to responsible management.
A detailed defence prepared by a licensing consultant argues that it has consistently met its obligations and that the evidence does not justify punitive action. The CIC says the park’s large -scale events are essential to funding the wider estate, generating more than 70% of the income needed to run the park and museum. It maintains that only two licensing objectives —public nuisance and crime and disorder —are genuinely engaged by the residents’ 300 -page review application, and that concerns about public safety or harm to children fall outside the scope of licensing law.
The submission places heavy emphasis on the views of the responsible authorities. Police describe the events as well run, with only a small number of incidents inside the licensed area, and confirm that future events will be supported by dedicated policing teams. Environmental Health officers state that noise limits have been consistently met, that monitoring is extensive and independently verified, and that the CIC has been working with them to refine and clarify licence conditions. The Licensing Authority reports a positive working relationship, adherence to management plans and the introduction of additional enforcement measures to deal with issues outside the event site. None of the authorities allege breaches of licence conditions.
The CIC’s acousticians argue that the review application misunderstands basic acoustic principles, misrepresents existing management practices and proposes technically flawed noise limits. They say the appropriate standards are those put forward by Hounslow’s Environmental Health Officer, which the CIC supports. A second consultant notes that the proposed 73 dB limit is already below industry norms and that no breaches have occurred.
The CIC acknowledges concerns about behaviour outside the event site but points to national guidance that places responsibility for antisocial behaviour on individuals. It nonetheless proposes additional stewarding, improved coordination with police, external toilet provision, enhanced litter patrols and clearer resident communications. It rejects claims that park access is excessively restricted, saying only around 13% of the park is used for event arenas and that access for walkers and families is maintained wherever safe.
The submission concludes that the licence is due for a “refresh” rather than sanctions. It argues that the CIC has demonstrated responsible management, strong engagement with authorities and a willingness to improve conditions. It invites the committee to modify the licence conditions in line with officer recommendations, describing this as the proportionate and evidence-based outcome.
A rebuttal to the CIC’s submission by GPGERA says that the responsible authorities’ representations do not meaningfully engage with the extensive evidence submitted by residents. They maintain that the review is not about alleging breaches of the existing licence, but about demonstrating that the current conditions are inadequate, unenforceable and out of step with best practice elsewhere. They restate their core asks: lower noise limits, fewer event days, independent real -time monitoring, stronger policing and security, better protection of park access, improved environmental safeguards and more transparent resident engagement.
The panel, led by Councillor Dan Bowring, is expected to deliver its verdict by 3 April, with options ranging from tightening noise restrictions to a full revocation of the park’s licence.
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