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Art Gunfunkel |
Kenwood must lose two concerts, rules judge
Protestors are jubilant as ten concerts are reduced to eight
TWO concerts must be axed from this summer’s Kenwood concert season, a court decided last Wednesday – throwing the future of the annual concert season into disarray.
At an appeal hearing at Highbury Magistrates’ Court, district judge John Perkins upheld a decision by Town Hall licensing chiefs in April to reduce the number of concerts from ten to eight – and to impose a break for residents every fortnight.
IMG, who organise the concerts for house guardians English Heritage, had told the court that the season was “financially unviable” with eight concerts.
But Mr Perkins said the concerts adversely affected residents who were “unable to enjoy the use of their gardens and premises throughout the summer season”.
Despite admitting regret if his decision placed the season “in jeopardy”, Mr Perkins added: “The nuisance outweighs the undoubted pleasure to many who choose to attend the concerts.
“I hope that some way may be found by English Heritage to continue the performances with the limits imposed and it can generate at least some revenue for a worthy charitable cause.”
Jubilant residents who have complained bitterly about excessive noise levels from the concerts welcomed the court’s decision.
Harley Atkinson, whose Fitzroy Park home backs on to Kenwood, gave evidence in favour of Camden Council. He said: “It’s been clear to us that the programme has been moving to something that Kenwood just can’t sustain. There are limits to what can be done there.”
Asked whether he was now concerned about the future of the concerts, Mr Atkinson said: “We have not put the future of the concerts in jeopardy. I think IMG has taken that risk by changing the type of concerts to a level that the venue is unable to bear.”
Tony Ghilchik, from the Heath and Hampstead Society, added: “Kenwood is not suitable for loud over-amplified concerts. IMG have taken a deliberate policy of going in the opposite direction with the type of concerts they have chosen.”
Shell-shocked IMG bosses said they were “very disappointed” by the decision. The company has spent more than £300,000 on noise prevention measures this year – including ambitious plans to move the stage onto a lake to reduce noise levels.
Artists lined up for this summer’s season – due to start on June 24 – included singers Art Garfunkel, Ronan Keating and classical music star Bryn Terfel. Tickets have already been sold for all ten concerts.
Stephen Flintwood, managing director of IMG’s arts and entertainment’s division, said: “Eight concerts will definitely go ahead this summer. I can not comment on which eight they will be until we have a chance to discuss it with our legal team.”
In more bad news for music bosses, Town Hall planning chiefs yesterday (Wednesday) threatened IMG with legal action over its new floating stage which has allegedly been erected without planning permission.
A Town Hall spokesman said: “The planning service, after taking legal advice, considers the floating pontoon requires an application for planning permission.
“Whilst we are happy to meet with IMG to resolve this issue, the council takes all breaches of planning control seriously and if work continues, officers shall report the matter to the next available planning committee.” |
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