AN ILLEGAL rave has been planned for a site in rural east Dorset, council officials say.

Residents of Wayside Road in St Leonards told the Daily Echo of their fears about the rave, which was promoted on Facebook.

One even said he would blockade the road on the day of the party, planned for August 18.

The local authority has now confirmed that the owners of the land have been contacted and were not aware of the event.

Sean Whitney, public health and protection manager at Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, said: “We are aware of an event being advertised on social media as taking place on August 18 in St Leonards, east Dorset.

"We have spoken with the land owners of the site thought to be the intended location and they have confirmed that they have not granted any permission for the event and it will not be taking place at this location."

Despite that, the rave could still take place at a different location, Mr Whitney said.

East Dorset District Council has not received any licensing applications for this event," he said.

"Further investigation is taking place in conjunction with the police to determine where the event is being held.

"Once this has been established, if it is within an area covered by our team, we will continue to work with the police in order to ensure that permissions and safeguards are in place to protect both local residents and event attendees.”

Rave organisers said the event would have three professional sound systems playing drum and bass, bassline and house and garage, as well as car parking and a bonfire.

One resident of Wayside Road said: "We understand thousands of people were due to attend.

"In 1976, there was a huge fire in this area after a drought. The fire moved at around 40 miles an hour and various animals were killed in their fields, including at a property owned by a Great Dane breeder.

"If they're advertising a huge bonfire, who's to say that couldn't happen again? Everybody living here is frightened silly by the idea.

"Even a carelessly discarded cigarette could cause a fire when it's so tinder dry."

The organisers of a recent rave in the road allegedly told council officials the event was a 50th birthday party.

Councillor Mike Dyer, who lives in the area, contacted the council directly to urge officials to take action.

He said it was the second "forest party" this year.

"There is a risk to public health from a serious fire incident should there still be a drought situation," he said.