Private school denies it’s an ‘entertainment centre’ in booze bid

Walhampton School on the outskirts of Lymington applied to New Forest District Council for a premises licence.

Permission was sought for live music from 10am to midnight, recorded music 8am to midnight, supply of alcohol from 10am to midnight and late-night refreshment from 11pm to 1am.

The district council held a licensing sub-committee meeting on Friday, December 6, after representations were submitted by residents.

Proposed conditions included no more than five film events a year, no more than five private or wedding reception functions and no more than five daytime outdoor events like fairs or food festivals.

All outside licensable activities would finish at 11pm.

At the meeting, several residents still opposed to the application detailed their opposition.

Eileen Morton said the application was “very confusing” and it was not clear what the licence was seeking permission for.

She said the area was surrounded by venues catering for similar events.

“I can’t emphasise enough how much sound travels and it is an issue, and it is something that will definitely create a nuisance if an application is granted without limitations,” Ms Morton said.

Nicholas Olney said additional events at the school would only add to traffic issues.

“Walhampton School is a school, not an entertainment centre and parents should pay accordingly to support it, not to the detriment of others,” he said.

Mr Olney said the school had not engaged with residents on its plans.

David Harris said neighbours had no complaints about the school holding its events like sports days.

Mr Harris said: “What we don’t expect is for our peace and quiet, particularly in the summer months and particularly at weekends, being disturbed by a lot of noise, a lot of music coming from the school, which is a school and not an entertainment centre.”

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Walhampton School should be restricted to no more than five outdoor events of any type from June to September, with no more than one in any two-week period, Mr Harris said.

He called for outdoor films to not be allowed at all.

Headteacher Jonny Timms apologised for any concern and frustration caused by the application, and for not engaging with neighbours.

He said the neighbours’ feedback had been heard and would be carefully considered.

Mr Timms said: “While we are aiming to enhance the use of those facilities to support both the school and the local community, we will ensure this is done thoughtfully and with clear and open communication.

“But the estate does need to be managed properly and this would help us outside of term time and I say this as the head but also somebody who is resident at the school.”

Director of finance and operations Alison Bennett said the majority of aspects covered under the licence were already taking place through temporary event notices.

She said: “The general concern that we are aiming to become an entertainment centre, I can understand the way the application and the conditions are framed could lead you to that conclusion, but that is absolutely not our intention and I think what we would say is there is a difference between capacity and what we are actually intending to do.”

Following the hearing, the councillors on the licensing sub-committee retired to consider their decision, which will be published within five working days of the meeting.