Camping overnight in Lambeth's parks could be banned following complaints from locals that it turns green spaces into "cheap hotels".

Councillors plan to prevent overnight camping events after residents said they felt "uncomfortable" with a recent three-day festival on Clapham Common to mark the royal wedding. Thousands flocked to 'Camp Royale' in May, which raised £45,000 for Lambeth Council. About 200 people camped on the Common for the whole 72 hours.

Campaign group Friends of Clapham Common led the fight to stop future camping events. The group said events like Camp Royale were damaging to the environment and local wildlife. Its members have been petitioning against what it calls the 'over commercialisation' of the park since February.

Chairman Melanie Oxley said: “We are very encouraged to hear Lambeth has listened to the voices of our members and other local residents.

"Clapham Common is not a cheap hotel, but a public open space valued by all who use and visit it."

The council lifted restrictions on the number of events in the borough this year in order to raise vital funds. It expects to generate a total of £1.25million from events in its parks this year.

In the autumn, the council's cabinet will consider proposals put forward by Coun Florence Nosegbe, cabinet member for culture, to ban future overnight camping festivals. She said the council had held positive meetings with locals and environmental groups to re-negotiate its camping policy. She said: “There are always differing views and opinions, but our job is to strike the right balance between allowing Lambeth residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy new and exciting music, sporting and cultural activities, while respecting the needs of people who live nearby.

"While there were no major problems with Camp Royale, on balance I will be recommending that we do not allow commercial camping in the future as I recognise that many people felt uncomfortable about such an event."