BOURNEMOUTH 7s Festival has been given the green light to allow up to 5,000 more people to attend the popular event in May.

Christchurch Borough Council granted the new licence at a meeting last week - despite concerns raised by Hurn Parish Council and West Parley Parish Council over anti-social behaviour and noise levels.

The new licence will allow up to 19,999 people at the site over the weekend - an increase of 5,000 from last year.

The capacity has increased since the event started in 2008, the licensing sub-committee heard, with the original licence permitting 9,999.

This was increased to 14,999 in 2013.

Hurn Parish Council chairman, Cllr Margaret Phipps said: "I find it unfortunate that we find ourselves here again, asking you to consider nuisance to the residents of Christchurch.

"The main issue for Hurn is the prevention of public nuisance. A weekend of noise in particular late at night and into the small hours. There needs to be a balance between both parties."

She added: "The noise nuisance will affect an area or several at some time during the weekend.

"You can expect bass banging, the thump thump thump for hours on end during the event."

She said it is heard not only in Hurn but Parley, Muscliff and St Catherines.

"I ask the committee to leave the balance where it is now. Please don't make it worse."

Cllr Barbara Manuel from West Parley Parish Council said as well as the noise, residents who live along the man road have to "batten down the hatches" during the weekend.

She said revellers have used gardens as urinals, littered the streets, and on one occasion ripped trees apart.

"It is rather sad that residents pray for rain and bad weather during the event."

Solicitor Philip Day, representing the organisers, Craig Mathie, Roger Woodall and Paul Ashhurst said Dorset Police had not raised any concerns over the application.

He also said there had not been any objections or representations from Environmental Health over the noise levels.

He added: "They enjoy a drink, but they know how to behave and it is a very very small minority who let the side down.

"People do well out of it. It brings money into the area and supports the sports club based there permanently and it is a good cultural thing to have."

He said one of the conditions of the licence would be a complaints hotline for people to report anti-social behaviour and noise issues as well as an increase in security and litter pickers.