VILLAGERS are concerned the proposed expansion of a popular summer festival would have a bigger impact on the community.

As previously reported, CarFest – held at Laverstoke Farm – is hoping to expand its capacity in a bid to raise more money for Children in Need.

Clare Scheckter, who owns the farm with her husband Jody, has submitted an application to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for a variation of the licence and increase the capacity of CarFest by 10,000.

Brand Events, which organises CarFest, has asked the Scheckters for the increase to their licence in order to sell more tickets, or it will move the event to a different location.

However, the proposed expansion has been met with criticism from Overton residents.

At an Overton Parish Council meeting held last Wednesday, resident Neville Barnes said: “Two years ago they (Brand Events) made the claims that they would not extend the capacity, and at the time everyone was in agreement with the plans.

“This plan to increase the numbers has come from Children in Need and it is as if Brand Events just want to run roughshod over what we have previously agreed with them.”

Another resident, who didn’t wish to be named, questioned whether this was about Children in Need wanting to raise more money, or if it was Brand Events’ desire to extend the festival from a business point of view.

Neil Levene, from Brand Events, replied: “Yes we do take a fee for setting up the festival, but this is all about raising money for charity.”

Mr Levene gave the parish council meeting a presentation on the success of the 2016 event, with it being reported that the festival brought £7.2 million into the Overton area.

“We have always had good feedback from people that attend the event, and we want to continue to bring this family festival to Overton,” added Mr Levene.

If the variation on the licence is approved a further 30 acres of additional land near the farm will be made available as a car park, and extra entry points will be put in place.

Ward and parish councillor Cllr Colin Phillimore asked: “Haven’t Brand Events and Children in Need already found an alternative site 60 miles away?”

To which Mr Levene replied: “We have, but we want to remain in our home of Hampshire.”

Since its launch in 2012 the event has raised more than £3 million for Children in Need.