Public inquiry into CarFest (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Residents asked to give views by Overton Parish Council

9:00am Friday 21st September 2012 in Local By Jen Rivett

A PUBLIC inquiry into last month’s CarFest is to be conducted by members of Overton Parish Council .

The review, on Saturday, will examine the event which was held over two days at Laverstoke Park Farm, owned by former Formula 1 champion Jody Scheckter and instigated by broadcaster Chris Evans.

Some villagers were concerned about the noise and traffic generated and campaigned against the festival – which has so far raised £440,000 for the BBC Children in Need charity.

They are fearful that the event, which attracted 15,000 people, will return next year. The parish council will hold its inquiry between 9am and 2pm in the community centre. Villagers can come along to express their views or can send information to councillors beforehand.

Chairman Tom Ridler said: “As a parish council, we are going to take evidence from everyone who wants to supply it.”

CarFest was organised by the company Brand Events, whose spokeswoman told parish councillors at their meeting on September 12 that they were very pleased with the event.

She said: “The feedback we have had from visitors has been overwhelming in terms of the experience people had. I was thrilled to pieces that we didn’t have any traffic issues that people feared we would.”

Cllr Paula Baker said electors were mostly positive. Cllr Peter Hutchinson said he recorded sound levels of up to 60 decibels coming from the festival and 110 decibels coming from aircraft during the flyover, which he said, had scared some livestock.

However, many councillors told the meeting that they did not hear the festival.

Cllr Peter Baker said the success of the event was marred by some boy-racers in Ferraris speeding along the country lanes.

He said: “It’s very juvenile and very dangerous for cyclists.” Concerns were also raised about people crossing fields to gain unauthorised free entry.