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BID TO BLOCK PLAN FOR DRINKS LICENCE

By Martin Neville - Friday, March 28, 2008
PARISH councillors have objected to Camp Kerala’s licence application to sell alcohol until 3am as part of a luxurious tented village in Gurnard during Skandia Cowes Week.
Camp Kerala wants to sell alcohol from a marquee, planned as the centrepiece of a temporary village of 30 five-star Shikar tents, at Cliff Farm, Rew Street.
Camp Kerala boss Jennifer Lederman said she had sited the camp in a remote place to minimise disruption to residents.
However, at the latest meeting of Gurnard Parish Council’s planning committee, owners of nearby holiday chalets raised concern over the safety of children playing in the area, access problems to the site, the possible consequences of drunkenness, plus noise and security concerns.
One owner, who did not wish to be named, said up to 40 people, including children, could be staying in the chalets at the height of the summer.
She said: “This is a one-week application but it will take at least a week to erect these tents and another week to take them down again. We will have three weeks of our summer disturbed.
“We have only got wooden huts and the noise from the generators will carry right through.
“If it has to be done, could it not be just for one year to see how it works out?”
The committee objected on the grounds public safety would be compromised, as there was no indication security would extend to include nearby residents and surrounding areas.
They also said a public nuisance would be caused by late night activities, lights, generators and music and there were crime and disorder implications, due to the village only having one police officer.