WARWICK Castle bosses and neighbouring residents are clashing again.
People living next to the castle have previously fought and lost battles to stop the introduction of both glamping tents during the summer, and recently opened year-round medieval-themed woodland lodges, together with a restaurant and function room – collectively known as Knight’s Village.
And now castle bosses are looking for permission from Warwick District Council to play music, put on plays, dance displays, and indoor sporting events at Knight’s Village, and also sell alcohol up to 2am.
The application has been met with anger by some residents in Stuarts Close and nearby Castle Close.
One unnamed Stuart Close resident, in a letter to the council’s licensing committee, said: “The application is for every day, therefore there will only be six hours in any 24 hours when alcohol is not being served. The castle is a family centred business so why do they feel they have to serve alcohol at such long periods of time?
“My objection is to the noise that will come from the village when [people are leaving the restaurant late at night having consumed alcohol. I already suffer greatly sleeping with noise coming from the castle, which often disturbs me.”
The concerns were echoed by other residents.
Another resident said: “We experienced quite a lot of noise and disturbance last summer during the glamping season at the castle and feel the addition of the lodges will only increase the intrusion into our lives.”
Castle bosses say they do everything possible to avoid disturbing neighbours by the Foxes Study are of the castle where Knight’s Village is located.
A statement to the licensing committee reads: “Warwick Castle has worked hard to engender good relations with its neighbours and regularly liases with them regarding the running of the castle.
“Nevertheless, security can be contacted during permitted hours in the event a problem should arise.”
Castle bosses estimate the 28 luxury lodges, together with the 41 seasonal glamping tents, will economically benefit the district by some £2.1 million a year through guests visiting surrounding towns.
The licensing committee is set to consider the application tomorrow (Friday).
