NOISE fears have been raised about the Bombay Sapphire distillery and tourist attraction at Laverstoke Mill.

The gin maker wants to serve alcohol at corporate events up to 2am, from Monday to Sunday, and has applied for a licence.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has received 19 letters of objection from villagers, who are concerned about noise levels coming from the distillery.

Borough councillor Paula Baker, who represents Overton, Laverstoke and Steventon, told The Gazette: “If people have been having a good time and are excited, they may well be noisier than they realise and that’s why I am worried.

“It would be quite reasonable to have some late nights but when people need to be up for work the next morning, and children up for school, you don’t really want disturbance in the morning.”

But she added: “Until the operation starts, it is quite difficult for people to imagine what it will be like.”

Will Brix, estate manager for Bombay Sapphire said: “We are currently undertaking the necessary steps regarding the appropriate licence and await the final outcome.”

He added: “As always we welcome any feedback from residents as we progress towards opening the Bombay Sapphire distillery at Laverstoke Mill, as the local area and our neighbours are extremely important to us.”

The borough’s licensing committee was due to decide on the application last night.

When completed this year, the complex will be home to a café, shop, visitor centre and bar on the banks of the River Test, and hopes to attract as many as 100,000 visitors a year.