Dorset country park gets the green light to sell alcohol at events despite objections

A Dorset country park has been granted permission to sell alcohol at events despite local objections.

Moors Valley was given the green light by Dorset councillors with the first event likely to be at Halloween.

Objectors claimed the extra events would increase traffic chaos near their homes and add to night-time disturbance.

One complained that Forestry England ought to know better – reminding the organisation it was a forest they were running not a theme-park for bored humans.

Others said that wildlife was likely to be disturbed by the night-time activities although a ecology report said the effects would be minimal.

Dorset Council’s licensing panel decided the grounds for objection were not sufficient.

It granted a Premises Licence for drink sale up until 10.55pm every day and to show films until 11pm. The capacity has been set at 5,000.

The park said it may consider showing films, such as The Gruffalow, in the future, although at this stage there is nothing confirmed.

The licensing hearing in Dorchester was told that the park plans to have kiosks selling alcohol, together with street food stalls, at the start/finish and half-way round a mile-long trail for the Halloween event, with staggered admissions to the park in 15-minute slots, only bookable in advance.

The event will be repeated over ten days, with admissions starting at 4pm, the last at 9pm.

Sixteen objections were received in response to the licensing proposal – with the only support for the idea from Verwood Town Council.

The site already sells alcoholic drinks, but only with meals in the restaurant.

Forestry England and Dorset Council say their experienced team at the park – said to be the 30^th most popular visitor attraction in the UK – are used to managing crowds of people with the drink sales unlikely to present any difficulties.