Boomtown gets green light for one-year
August 19, 2025
The popular Boomtown Festival went ahead this summer following a temporary planning permission from the National Park Authority.
Following a detailed discussion and hearing debate both for and against the application, the Planning Committee unanimously voted to grant a one-year temporary planning permission for the festival at Matterley Farm.
The permission included holding the festival for 76,999 attendees – including 1,000 on Sunday. The most recent temporary permission, which expired on 31 December 2024, was for a festival for 64,999 attendees (including 1,000 on Sunday).
The committee granted permission on the basis that the detailed Management Plan around landscape and ecology mitigation was in place and approved before the construction period of the festival.
After successfully meeting the conditions, the festival went ahead as planned.
Explaining the decision, Tim Slaney, Director of Planning at the Authority, said: “This application was very carefully considered and underwent wide consultation with relevant authorities, including Natural England and National Highways, as well as the community, with 26 letters of objection and 163 letters of support received.
“As with many activities in the South Downs National Park, we need to balance everyone’s enjoyment of the National Park with keeping these landscapes special for future generations.
“The temporary permission for one year will allow time to consider the experience and impact of the greater numbers at the festival, both positive and negative, and a longer-term plan that enhances the landscape and ecology.”