BOOMTOWN organisers are urging local residents not to worry over a new planning application.

They are seeking permission to hold an annual festival of up to 75,999 people.

But a spokesperson said that the plans will bring the planning permission capacity in line with the licensed capacity.

"In July 2019, Winchester City Council granted Boomtown a licensed capacity of 75,999 plus 1,000 Sunday tickets for local residents," they said.

"The primary purpose of this planning application is to bring the planning permission capacity in line with our licensed capacity.

"We would aim to move towards full capacity over a number of years. We hope that the application, along with the associated measures and conditions, demonstrates our commitment to the land and ambition to continue to grow as a event that brings great value economically, socially and culturally to the area."

The application is expected to be decided by April 30.

So far, 27 people have publicly objected and 29 have written in support.

The spokesperson added: "If you would like to view or comment on the Planning Application please click here. The application reference is SDNP/21/00290/FUL. If you have any further questions, please contact Katie at local_community@boomtownfair.co.uk."

One objector, Michael Curtis of Kilmeston, said that he believes the organisers are looking to put on more than one event a year.

In a letter to the Chronicle last week he said: "I get the impression that a good many people do not know that this event is approaching again and this time they want a permanent planning permission to hold this event year after year. I personally do not see any evidence that this will be just for one show a year.

"Goodness knows what else will be sprung on us under this umbrella to ruin our summer. The main reasons against this show are the same as before. It causes too much noise, traffic, rubbish, lights.

"There are too many people attending, which causes problems all around the Winchester area. It goes without saying that a handful of policies sacred to the South Downs' National Park, preserving the countryside and their very strict 'no night lights' policy get ignored.

"There are some quite large holes in the Environmental Impact Statement in the planning application."