NEIGHBOURS of a farm which has been allegedly causing a disturbance by holding late night events have appealed against the venue being granted a late night licence.

Sedgemoor District Council's licensing panel was asked to review a license application for Greenway Farm near Wembdon, which has been holding music events in its stone barn.

The Panel received a significant amount of evidence in writing and in person, and in its conclusion stated: "It was apparent this application provoked strong emotions on both sides."

The owners of Greenway Farm have adapted a stone barn on the site for the purpose of holding music events, which they had insulated to reduce noise from escaping from the barn.

When hosting events the owner uses the barn together with an additional marquee on the adjoining paddock, usually for weddings, which were granted under Temporary Event Notices.

However evidence was heard by the panel that recent events at Greenway Farm had caused 'considerable nuisance and annoyance' to neighbours, with the music reportedly being audible from a significant distance away.

Neighbours also alleged that the events often continued past the authorised hour.

The Greenway Farm owners said the events catered for between 80 and 120 people, and said there had been minimal complaints.

A spokesman for Sedgemoor District Council said: "The decision for the Panel was a difficult one but the Panel was mindful of the fact that the act made clear that there was a presumption of grant unless good reason not to

and that if there were reasons not to grant if conditions could address the objections then a licence should be granted.

"To that end the Panel has determined that alcohol will not be supplied beyond 11pm on each day in order to reduce the possibility of events dragging on into the early hours and disturbing neighbours."

The licence was granted provided the supply of alcohol was restricted to between noon and 11pm seven days a week, with the exception of New Years Eve when alcohol can be sold until 1am.