Shorefields will become a “Butlins” if allowed an outside entertainment area with stage, screen and bar is allowed

FURIOUS villagers have accused a Milford holiday park of trying to turn it into a “Butlins-style resort” after it submitted an application for an outside entertainment area.

Shorefield Country Park is planning to install a stage, outdoor screen, elevated seating, event lighting and bar. The park also wants to create a waterpark, mini golf course and play area.

The park said it wants to “drastically improve and redevelop the central facilities area” of Shorefield.

According to its planning application, the stage would have “amplified sound” from “entertainers, plays, dance displays and live music” between 9am and 6pm every day.

At night there could be “silent discos”, during which guests hear music through headphones, and the park could also apply for temporary licences to hold other events.

There have been more than 170 objections to the application, with only three people in favour.

The vast majority of complaints are in relation to the outside stage, with one resident claiming the owners were “trying to turn Shorefield into some sort of Butlins”.

Others agreed, with one saying: “We do not need a Butlins-style entertainment complex near our lovely little New Forest village.”

One objector said that according to the Association of Event Organisers the size of the stage and seating area could accommodate over 2,500 people.

Others claimed that Shorefield, in Shorefield Lane, Downton, would use the area as a “mini festival site”, saying there is “nothing to stop them applying to hold anything there”.

One person who lives close to it said: “Even now, we hear loud music coming from Shorefield and this is barely tolerable.”

Another said the move was an “absolute nightmare” for everyone who lives in the local area, adding that they had already experienced “rowdy” park visitors and “guests who already scream in the middle of the night after getting drunk”.

“Now they want to create a space for them to do it all outside?”, they stated.

Referring to the silent discos, one objector said they had experience of revellers “shouting out the words to the songs they were listening to at the top of their voices”, adding it was “terrible and upsetting”.

Some holiday home owners on the site are also upset, fearing the plans could “ruin the atmosphere” of the park.

Another commented: “The resulting noise and disturbance will force many owners to sell. Many of us saved for the opportunity to have a little slice of heaven don't let them destroy it.”

A noise assessment statement prepared by Venta Acoustics for Shorefield concluded the planned entertainment area would not cause noise nuisance, stating: “It is intended for the stage to be used for family friendly entertainment, as would be expected on a holiday park, rather than loud, raucous music.

“Considering the long-term use of the holiday park, it is also expected that the local residents are accustomed to the increase in activity, and associated noise during the summer months.”

But the company did recommend a sound limiter system be installed and that signs “reminding guests to keep their voices down” in the outside area should also be displayed.

A phone number for nearby residents to ring to complain about noise should also be supplied.

People in favour of the application said it would “improve the facilities” of the park and would also “enhance the appearance” of it.

Another said: “This is an already up and running site. All it wants to do is improve within their boundary. Same amount of holiday makers having better facilities. What's to object to?”

The A&T have approached Shorefield Country Park for a comment.