9:29am Friday 30th April 2010
By Warwick Payne
A CHALLENGE that could disrupt the Glade music festival near Winchester will come before council chiefs this morning.
Some residents are angry about noise and disruption, but opinion is split, with many voicing support.
It comes just as the site’s owner, farmer Peveril Bruce, has gained permission to bring major motocross events back to his land.
The Matterley Basin track hosted the Motocross of Nations in 2006, the sport’s top event, which attracted 50,000 people.
The resulting traffic chaos led to it being mothballed, but the Matterley Bowl venue beside it still holds music festivals each summer.
Peaking with crowds of 40,000 at Homelands nearly a decade ago, last year’s Glade festival was closer to 10,000 people.
Winchester City Council previously agreed that Mr Bruce could hold several large events on his land each year.
Council licensing chiefs are now being urged to look at the decision again after several residents asked for a review.
Michael Beer from Cheriton is leading the calls, arguing that the festival is too loud, too long, and causes traffic problems.
A further 14 residents have backed his case, along with Alison Matthews of the Upper Itchen Valley Society.
Police have also raised concerns about crime at last year’s Glade festival. There were 70 offences, mostly thefts from cars and tents.
As a result, licensing officer PC Gary Miller has urged the council that security must be improved if it is held again.
But many residents have sung the festival’s praises, with 25 letters of support.
They include Alresford rector, The Rev Phil Collins, who wrote: “It has been my privilege to attend some events at Matterley Bowl, particularly Homelands and Hi:Fi South.
“Aged in my late 50s, I was probably one of the oldest people in attendance!”
He added: “There has never been any disturbance from those who have attended, either in Alresford or the surrounding villages.”
Meanwhile, a Government planning inspector has now overturned a council ruling on the motocross issue that said the track must stay shut.
Mr Bruce’s agents, Turley Associates, said there was now the potential for a “two day elite motocross event”.
Hampshire riders also want to revive the venue, which has hosted fund-raising days for Southampton-based charity Leukaemia Busters.
Mr Bruce said no more than two motocross events would be held each year. He added that he hoped to retain his festivals licence.
“We’ve worked within the conditions we’ve been set, and worked with Winchester City Council and the police and done everything that we’ve been asked to do,” he said.
His land, which is in the South Downs National Park, has also been used for shooting events, tank driving, and oil extraction.
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