Choir Founder Stunned by Park Licensing Costs

A petition signed by hundreds of individuals is calling on Bristol City Council to revise its new park licensing regulations, which have significantly impacted a postnatal singing group. The Bring Your Own Baby (BYOB) choir, founded by Julia Turner, offers vocal sessions for new mothers across three Bristol parks. However, Turner reports that maintaining the affordability of these classes has become increasingly challenging after the council imposed an annual £400 fee for park usage. She highlights a disparity in the fee structure, noting that professional dog walkers are charged less than her organization.

The controversy is part of a broader issue affecting dozens of small enterprises following the introduction of the new licensing scheme last month, which mandates payment for operating in city parks. While council officials maintain that the licenses are essential for ensuring public safety and are not designed to favor specific business types, critics argue the policy is causing undue hardship.

Turner, whose sessions cost £8 per class, emphasized the mental health benefits of the choir. "It saddens me," she said, explaining that the group aims to support new mothers who are vulnerable to postnatal depression. "It's a chance to get together and singing is quite bonding. Being outside adds so much to the wellbeing benefits of singing because we're around the trees."

Despite the therapeutic value of the group, Turner expressed confusion over the cost disparity. "I found it baffling that I have to pay 50% more than dog walkers to use the park, even though dog walking businesses utilize the space more frequently," she stated. As a mother herself, she added, "We already have to deal with a lot. We don't have the mental health support that we should have. It just baffles and really saddens me."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, 85 businesses have currently applied for licenses. The council offers a 50% discount for organizations with an annual turnover below £25,000 that operate in seven or fewer parks.

Kate Spreadbury of the Bristol Parks Forum warned that the fees are forcing some community groups to cease operations, including their own walks in the city. "If we want to have an active and inclusive city, we need to support the groups used and valued in our communities," Spreadbury said. "This policy is now doing real harm and we ask that you review its use urgently."

In response, Bristol City Council reiterated that the licensing process is intended to verify that park users are appropriately insured and qualified, thereby keeping green spaces safe and pleasant for all. The authority also noted that any revenue generated from these licenses will be reinvested into park maintenance and improvements.

Councillor Stephen Williams, who chairs the Public Health and Communities Committee, clarified the distinction in fees. "There is no specific discount applied to professional dog walkers, who are charged under a different fee structure to the Parks Business Licence," Williams explained. He added that this model aligns with how other local authorities manage commercial dog walking and does not constitute preferential treatment for any particular sector.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-06 05:24:27 UTC