Residents oppose Hop Farm bid to double capacity

RESIDENTS living near Paddock Wood's Hop Farm Family Park have reacted angrily to the attraction's plans to increase visitor capacity by more than half.

The site's owners have applied for permission to stage events for up to 53,000 people, an increase of 57 per cent on the current 30,000 limit agreed in 2005.

While only one 53,000 capacity event would take place each year, its length is not specified in the application.

The venue also intends to hold a further five events per year for up to 30,000 people, though the daily capacity will be reduced from 30,000 people to 8,000 for these.

Many of the site's neighbours in nearby East Peckham have written to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council objecting to the proposals.

Old Road resident Malcolm Hayes said loud noise from the site was against his human right to enjoy his back garden.

Mr Hayes wrote: "What right has he (owner Peter Bull) to inflict this upon me? He must be stopped at all costs."

Law and order is also a worry for many locals. Tonbridge Road resident Christine Currah said increased visitor numbers would exacerbate an existing problem.

Mrs Currah wrote: "Disorderly behaviour caused by alcohol infiltrates the surrounding countryside and the Hop Farm does not seem to be able to contain their visitors."

Strettit Place resident Jonathan Blackmore said he was concerned about the effect on children at music festivals.

He wrote: "It must be almost impossible to police the consumption of alcohol and drugs by those under 18."

Chief superintendent Mark Salisbury of Kent Police also questioned the ability of the venue to keep control.

He wrote: "Without measures in place there will be potential for crime and disorder."

The borough council's licencing committee will make a decision next Thursday. The Hop Farm declined to comment.