A Winchester food festival can be held after complaints were made about noise levels last year.

Foodies Festival took place at North Walls Recreation Ground over the weekend of July 17 last year.

Concerns were raised by local residents about the noise levels the event produced with eight letters of objection sent to Winchester City Council.

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The licensing sub-committee agreed a review of the licence to include conditions on noise control and management. Improved lines of communications with local residents were also required.

The applicant, Philip Tidridge, suggested that a noise limit of 55dB LAeq during 15 minutes would apply. This means that the noise would have to stay below the level over that time.

Also, that a noise consultant be employed to make sure the volume level isn't exceeded.

Cllr Paula Ferguson, who lives near to the festival site, said: “During the festival, residents on all sides of the North Walls Recreation Ground were adversely affected by the noise. They said that the noise was constant and pulsating in their gardens.

“Many residents were frustrated that they didn't receive prior notification by the festival organisers. They also said that the music went on too late with 9pm being after most children's bedtime.

“We want conditions to prevent public nuisance. This is a food festival, not a music festival.”

A letter sent by Cllr John Tippett-Cooper said: “I am also a resident on King Alfred Terrace and while many in our area welcome the energy and buzz of such events, as Cllr Ferguson sets out, there needs to be more effective controls on the volume and duration of the noise. I would also make clear that, as a resident, I did not personally receive any notification or information about this event from the organisers and it is imperative that contact details are provided of a someone who can intervene if noise volumes or any other matter become an issue.”

Sue Hitchen, managing director of Foodies explained that the event is one of many that takes place across the country and that the focus is on food and local producers, not music.

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Ms Hitchen said: “On the music stage, they play acoustic during the day and louder during the evening, but only up to 8pm. We did inform local residents about the event as we did door drops in Nuns Road, Birinus Road, Monks Road and King Alfred Place.

“We didn't receive any complaints during the festival as my mobile number was on the door drop. In future, we will have a hot-line to ensure the event can always be contacted.

“This was one of the first post-lockdown events and we felt the noise level was ok. It's a family friendly event and the feedback we received was positive.”

Cllr Derek Green asked how Ms Hitchen could assure the committee that the conditions would be met.

Ms Hitchen said: “We will employ a noise consultant as we want to make sure we come back to Winchester. A landline number that local residents can call will be manned throughout the festival.”

After the members had deliberated, committee chair, Cllr David McLean explained that the licence was permitted subject to conditions.

He said: “All noise levels shall not exceed 55dB LAeq during 15 minutes at monitoring stations agreed in writing. These will be agreed in no more than 28 days before the event.

“A noise consultant will be appointed to make sure the noise levels are complied with.”

The Foodies Festival this year is currently proposed for July 15-17.

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