Licensing chiefs have given the go-ahead for a wild dining venue to serve alcohol in a Gloucestershire field despite concerns it could lead to drunk tourists wandering around the countryside.
Richard Webber asked Cotswold District Council for permission to sell alcohol at a temporary camping site near Clapton-on-the-Hill from 6pm to 11pm every day.
Mr Webber, 34, decided to set up this new business after his job in the aerospace industry was made redundant due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He told the licensing sub-committee that he wants to share the experience of wildlife and nature with others through his new venture.
Mr Webber said his intention was to hold the dining events on Fridays and Saturdays.
“Cotswold Wild Dining is something I had the idea of doing after doing a similar event on the outskirts of London,” he said.
“I thought it would be something to showcase the Cotswolds in all its beauty.
“The selection of land was carefully considered. I was fortunate enough to find this piece of land which was available for rent.
“The area is isolated from main roads and residential dwellings The location has previously been used for clay pigeon shooting.”
According to his company website, Cotswold Wild Dining offers “an immersive outdoor experience where guests can escape the stresses of modern life and relax in the tranquil countryside.”
The site is limited to up to 12 guests who can dine and stay in the tipis.
But dozens of residents raised concerns the plans would disrupt the tranquil nature of the village and harm the area of outstanding natural beauty.
Clapton parish council objected to scheme saying the consumption of alcohol could lead to drunk guests walking around the village and being noisy and disruptive.
“Clapton on the Hill does not have a public house or community centre and therefore does not have any public areas where drinking is permitted so we have never encountered any alcohol related nuisances,” the parish council objection reads.
“The consumption of alcohol could increase the likelihood of damage being done to the village and surrounding areas, ie with open fires, inebriated people walking into the village.”
Councillor Julia Judd also raised concerns over the site potentially being used for hen or stag does.
“When people are celebrating, occasionally you get somebody who is unreasonable,” she said.
“Are you actively encouraging stag nights or hen nights?
But Mr Webber said the venue was not aimed at that type of guests.
He said he had an enquiry related to a hen party but they had not booked.
“What I tend to do is play it down a little bit,” he said.
“Hen parties have a tendency to get out of control. It’s not something I want to deal with.”
Chairman Dilys Neill said the sub-committee decided to grant the premises licence.
Councillors also recommended that Mr Webber should maintain good contact with the parish councils in Clapton and Farmington so that villagers are aware when events are due to take place.
They also asked him to provide contact details for residents to get in touch should they have any concerns.
