Open Space Bookings

General Conditions of Hire

(If you are making a booking by printing out the online Booking Form, it is strongly recommended that you also print out a copy of these conditions of hire for your reference.)

In these Conditions "the Applicant" means the person who signs the Form of Application or if it is signed on behalf of a company, the Company.
Except in the case of a Company, the contract for the use of the Open Space shall be made between the person who signs the application form and the Council notwithstanding the fact that the Open Space will be used by the club, institution, organisation or association of persons, by whatever name called, stated in the application form. In case of a Company, the contract for the use of the Open Space shall be made on behalf of the Company by the person who signs the application form.
1. The Council reserve the right to determine the contract for the use of the Open Space at any time:
  1. the Council require to use the Open Space in any emergency or for any purpose in connection with European Assembly, Parliamentary, Greater London or municipal elections or if the Open Space is in such a state as to be dangerous;
    or
  2. the Council are of the opinion that the event is likely to prove of an objectionable or undesirable character;
    or
  3. the Council are of the opinion that the Open Space is likely to be used other than for the purpose specified in the form of Application.
    or
  4. the Council are of the opinion that due to adverse weather conditions, the event would compromise the safety of participants of the event.
2. If the contract for the use of the Open Space is determined under Condition 3. (i) hereof the Council shall not be liable to pay any compensation to the Applicant.
The Applicant shall be liable for and shall indemnify the Council against any expense, liability, loss, claim or proceedings in respect of any loss, claim of or injury or damage whatsoever to any property unless due to any act of neglect of the Council or of any person for whom the Council is responsible.
The Applicant shall insure against any damage or injury, which may occur to any property or to any person by or arising out of the use of the Open Space. Other than any act of neglect of the Council or of any person for whom the Council is responsible. Such insurance shall be effected with an insurer and in terms approved by the Council (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) and for at least £1,000,000.
1. The Applicant shall be responsible for the collection and suitable disposal of any litter arising in connection with the event. The Open Space must be left in a clean condition.
2. Should the Council's contractors subsequently be required to clear litter arising from the event, undertake ground reinstatement work or rectify damage resulting from the event, the cost involved will be charged to Applicant.
The applicant should comply in all respects with the reasonable requirements of the Assistant Director of Environment & Regeneration Services.
The Applicant shall observe the Council's byelaws for the regulation of Pleasure Grounds or Open Spaces as the case may be.
1. The parks open at 0730 weekdays and 0900 weekends and bank holidays. Closing times vary between 1630 mid winter and 2115 mid summer. Any activities falling outside these times will not normally be considered, but in the event of special arrangements any Council staff overtime, will be charged to the Applicant against a sum deposited with the Council by the Applicant at least 28 days before the event with any unexpended balance being refunded by the Council to the Applicant.
2. Any additional costs arising from the Application specifically requiring the presence of Council staff during the event will be charged to the Applicant.
A refundable deposit of up to £2,000 against any damage may be required. A non returnable deposit of £60.00 commercial companies (£20.00 for Charities and Local Community Groups) will be required.
That the Applicant shall note that the giving of pets (such as goldfish) as prizes, and the exhibition of human and/or animal monstrosities, is strictly prohibited.
If the applicant proposes to provide public entertainment (e.g. music, dancing, etc.) a licence will be required. Please contact our Licensing and Elections Department for application form on 020 8303-7777.
If any Council public conveniences are to be made available specifically for the event these are to be left in a clean and tidy condition and free of litter at the close of the event, alternatively the Applicant can use the Council contractor to clean the toilets, this will be charged to the Applicant.
Should there be secondary conditions applicable to the Applicant's event these must be agreed to by the Applicant.
Special conditions will be applicable to Horse Events at Foots Cray Meadows, funfairs, circuses and craft fairs. (A separate set of conditions will be sent).
Should the Assistant Director of Environment & Regeneration Services agree to permit the event proposed by the Applicant, the required fee, proof of suitable insurance and a copy of all the conditions applicable to the event signed by the Applicant must be with the Council before confirmation of approval will be issued.
The organisers are to notify all emergency services of the event.
Suitable First Aid is to be provided by the organiser.
Permission for advertising on site is as follows; the maximum size of a poster is A2, 420x590mm, which may be placed on either side of an entrance where railing or fencing allow. The posters are to be displayed in the permanent cabinets where available, with the Council's consent. Banners to a maximum size of 1 x 7m can be displayed either side of an entrance. Both these adverts can be erected within 28 days of the event but must be removed within 14 days after the event and not obstruct sight lines for vehicles entering or leaving the park or open space.
Bill posting on highway verges, fences, highway barriers, street furniture and vacant premises is not permitted within Bexley Borough. Any organisation failing to comply with the above will:
1. be charged for removal of such items; and
2. not be permitted to hire any venue within Bexley again.

Application/booking form