Dorsom: Traffic and crime concerns over Beaminster festival plan

Residents and police have raised concerns about the impact of a potential festival in the countryside.

Plans to host Dorsom at Seaborough Manor Farm in Beaminster are set to be reviewed by Dorset Council.

The event, described as an "eclectic" music festival, is expected to take place from 18 - 21 July and sell 5,000 tickets.

The authority's licensing committee will be reviewing a proposal for the event on 4 April.

The application is asking permission to play recorded music and sell alcohol until 03:00 GMT during the whole event, with live music ending at midnight each day.

Beaminster residents have since commented on the application, raising concerns about traffic on narrow country roads.

One commented: "The large numbers of vehicles accessing this event will seriously compromise the safety of other local road users."

While another said the proposed site was "quite simply the wrong place for such a major event" and worried about disruption to local wildlife and effects on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Dorset Police also commented on the location of the site, stating it could block local roads and prove "challenging" should blue light services be needed in the event of an emergency.

A statement from Broadwindsor Parish Council added: "Large number of people in one confined area with access to alcohol and drugs, there will be an element who will indulge to excess with the usual consequences of arguments, fights, and unacceptable behaviour.

"Rural crime is already a growing problem - this event will be seen as an opportunity and/or cover for criminal activity on site and in the local area."

A map submitted with the licence application shows a range of attractions at the event, including fun-fair rides, camping, motorhome and caravan areas, bars, food tents and details of vehicle routes and parking.

Among the details submitted in a management plan are those for noise levels, which have been agreed in consultation with Dorset Environmental Health officers.

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