More than 20 objections made to application for premises licence to serve alcohol and host live events at Walhampton School in Lymington

PLANS by a Lymington school to serve alcohol and host live music and film screenings have come under fire from neighbours.

Walhampton School in School Lane has applied for a premises licence, which is set to be discussed by New Forest District Council’s licensing sub-committee.

This will allow for films to be shown indoors and out seven days a week from 8am until 11pm, although the school intends this to happen no more than five times a year, a report stated.

Live music would be allowed from 10am until midnight, and recorded music 8am until midnight, seven days a week. The licence also permits late-night refreshments – including hot food and alcohol – to be served from 11pm until 1am, with the premises open to the public for events between 8am and 1am.

However, the school would limit recorded music after 11pm to no more than 10 occasions per year, while late-night refreshments would happen no more than twice a year.

But neighbours have hit out, and more than 20 objections to the plans have been received, with concerns about noise, antisocial behaviour, increased traffic and the impact on wildlife.

One wrote: “Throughout the year our peace and enjoyment of our garden is spoilt by the sound of a pubic address system used on sports days and evening events held at Walhampton School, which is intrusive and encourages clapping, cheering, screaming and shouting that carried across the fields to our property.

“We are unable at present to enjoy the tranquillity of our own house and garden due to the public nuisance of events held throughout the year. Evenings are often spoilt by loud music played until late, the sound of enthusiastic DJs announcing songs and chatting to partygoers, raffle calls and ironically ‘how to leave the party quietly’ notifications!

“We are unable to sleep with windows open in the summer due to the thumping beats and voices we hear. This is making us feel trapped in our home and causes restless nights for us and our pet dog – very unfair behaviour.”

Another wrote: “The main road [B3054] is very dangerous with cars, buses and lorries going too fast as there are so many blind corners, concealed entrances and drives, no footpaths.

“Social events at the school can only add to the problem [as well as] more rubbish, more noise and maybe more reckless driving and accidents.”

Another raised concerns over the safeguarding of children: “What consideration has been taken of the message to schoolchildren that it is okay to have alcohol served on school premises? How will they be protected from witnessing adults in their presence affected by alcohol consumption, as some proposed events are likely to be held at times when boarders remain on the premises?”

A spokesperson for Walhampton said the school was aware of feedback from local neighbours and regretted any misunderstanding.

They added: “A response to support our application and to provide feedback in response to the comments received has been provided to NFDC, who have shared this with interested parties. Walhampton already utilises the Temporary Event Licence process for our existing events during which alcohol may be served or sold.

“The main reason for applying for the new premises licence was so we would not need to apply for a separate licence every time we hold an event and to give us some flexibility on the number of events we host. We are mindful of how events will impact both residents at Walhampton and the local neighbours, whilst we also want to ensure that our facilities are available for local groups to use and for the community to benefit from.”

Private functions and wedding receptions would be held at the independent day and boarding school no more than five times per year and daytime events outdoors, such as fairs, food festivals and car shows, would be no more than five times.

Licensable activities, such as live or recorded music and the sale of alcohol, would finish at 11pm, excluding New Year’s Eve, which would be allowed until 1am. As the site is not open to the general public, events would be ticketed or by invitation only, it adds.

Members of NFDC’s licensing sub-committee are set to decide on the application on Friday.