AN application to hold a live music event for up to 200 people near Bridgwater has been rejected.

The owner of Hillside Farm near Aschott submitted a Temporary Event Notice (TEN), but Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) rejected the application following objections from the local policing team.

The event, which was due to be held in July, included live music and the sale of alcohol.

On Monday (May 17), representations were made by neighbourhood and licensing officers at a licensing panel hearing.

They raised concerns about the suitability of the site for such an event and the potential impact on local residents.

Neighbourhood Inspector Joe Piscina said: “We work closely with the local community and partner agencies who have previously expressed concern about excess noise and anti-social behaviour in this area.

“This has become a particular problem since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and has led to increased community tension, as well as excess demand on police services

“We welcome the decision of the Licensing and Gambling Panel to serve a counter notice, preventing the event from lawfully taking place.”

Objections raised at the meeting included:

  • Poor accessibility, particularly for emergency services
  • An inadequate health and safety/risk assessment, particularly in respect of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
  • Inadequate contingency plans to manage excess numbers
  • An inadequate noise management plan, and subsequent impact on neighbouring residents

The representations followed consultation with local residents, in which long running concerns about anti-social behaviour were identified in relation to previous events at the site.

The panel issued a counter notice against the TEN, ruling that the application “fail[ed] to demonstrate that sufficient thought preparation and consultation had taken place to promote the licensing objectives”.