Villagers and holiday lodge owners are worried that a visitor attraction wants to become a “mini-Glastonbury Festival” in the countryside made famous by author James Herriot.
More than 80 people have submitted objections to Monk Park Farm’s application for a new premises licence, which would allow music, dancing and alcohol to be served between 10am and 10pm.
The venue near Thirsk and on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, currently features animal barns, indoor play areas, activity zones, a gift shop and a café.
Owners York Forty Four Ltd want a licence to allow the attraction to host and serve alcohol at music and stage shows, as well as seasonal and themed events.
The application adds: “Alcohol will typically be served from a converted caravan bar, with additional bar and seating areas set up as appropriate, including use of the marquee or other temporary structures.
“We intend to move entertainment and licensed activities around the site depending on the event and weather conditions, including use of a mobile stage.
“We also request that customers be permitted to walk freely around the full site with alcoholic beverages, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience without restricting movement to a single location.”
The licence would cover the full 84-acre site to allow the attraction to hold activities at different parts of the farm throughout the year.
The original application was for a licence covering 365 days of the year, but the applicant has agreed to reduce this to 250 days.
The plan has still attracted criticism, however, from local residents.
One resident said: “This seems to describe a mini-Glastonbury — all-day drinking and all-day music and dancing.
“(It’s) a far cry from a children’s petting farm.”
Another said: “As a resident, I have been subject to excessive noise from the park throughout the summer months, the Taylor Swift tribute, the megaphone/Tannoy for the pig racing, fireworks etc.
“Monk Park is supposed to be a petting park for children, not to be turned into a concert venue for older people to imbibe alcohol and run riot over the land.”
A third local resident said: “We are upset and concerned about this licensing application, which we submit is unreasonable and misplaced.
“This is James Herriot country, not Glastonbury.”
Visitors to the area who own or rent holiday homes and caravans at parks near the attraction, including those owned by York Forty Four, have also filed comcerns.
A joint objection from 37 holiday home owners/occupiers has been submitted.
It states: “If this application was granted, the noise from the outdoor music, bars and associated activities would shatter the enjoyment we take from our holiday homes.”
Simon Catterall, of legal firm Jacksons, is representing a group of around 60 residents and lodge owners contesting the application.
He said: “We are instructed to oppose the application because of the nuisance it would cause.”
The licence application will be discussed by members of North Yorkshire Council’s statutory licensing sub-committee on Monday next week.
Monk Park Farm general manager Mark Navin declined to comment when approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
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