Berkshire Polo Club plans to double capacity at Royal County events despite residents' fears over noise

The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club wants to increase the permitted number of people to 9,999 – up from its current allowance of 5,000.

But a group of residents are not happy about the plans, with objection letters sent to the council outlining their worries.

One resident claimed the capacity increase would lead to a “significant increase” in road traffic to the polo ground.

They also said there would be a “major increase” in noise coming from the site, blaming loud bands on “hot summer nights” for the potential disturbance.

Another resident also mentioned their fears regarding a surge in noise originating from the club’s site, writing: “I object to this application on the grounds that increasing the capacity of the premises to 9,999 persons is likely to have a negative impact on the prevention of public nuisance licensing objective because a larger audience requires greater sound volume to penetrate both the greater area and the greater hubbub of chatter by the people attending.

“We can hear the noise from their entertainments and are disturbed by it at night even though we live over half a mile away.”

The Polo Club does not want to alter any of its other permissions aside from the capacity increase.

It is currently allowed to sell alcohol, offer refreshments and play live and recorded music until 2am and is open from 11am to 2.40am Monday-Sunday.

A Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) licensing panel is set to decide on the proposal at a meeting on Thursday, June 20.

Councillors will be advised they have a number of options when making their judgement.

Members would be able to accept the application but also make changes to the conditions attached to the current licence.

The Polo Club has been contacted for comment.