IT IS the luxury retirement village where residents pay thousands of pounds for the pleasure of staying.

Now the Audley Stanbridge Earls retirement scheme has caused a stir among its neighbours over a licence application.

Audley Stanbridge Earls in Old Salisbury Lane, near Romsey, has revealed they want to host an annual fete and garden parties where music could be played outdoors until 12am every Friday and Saturday.

But the plans have hit a nerve with nearby residents, who fear they will have to endure noisy neighbours if the licensing application is given the green light by Test Valley Borough Council.

If the application is approved, Audley Stanbridge Earls Management would be allowed to host dance performances from 8am to midnight every Friday and Saturday during the summer.

Party-goers would be able to buy alcohol from 8am to 11pm on Sunday through to Thursday, which will extend to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Residents living near to the retirement home may also overhear outdoor plays and films being shown from 8am to 11pm from June through to September.

Cllr Nick Adams-King, who represents Blackwater on the borough council, said: "They are looking to licence an enormous amount of garden and a lot of neighbours will not be happy because of the noise disturbance.

"My concern is to do with the outside space, as I do not see the need to have dancing and live music outside.

"I completely accept people over the age of 60 may want to listen to live music, but I am not sure why they want to have an outdoor area for plays and films.

"If they wanted to hold a fete they could apply for a one-off licence and they would not need to have the licence the whole time."

Another resident said: "Nothing like the peace and quiet of the English countryside, where you can hear music and films, outdoors, from eight in the morning until 11 at night.

"I wonder what they will be dancing to late at night."

Managing director at Audley Group, Paul Morgan, said: “Events, like summer fairs and garden parties are important in creating a strong sense of community at our villages, not just among our property owners, but importantly with people who live in the local area.

"Our events typically take place during the day and offer a chance for property owners to invite their family and friends to enjoy the grounds and incredible facilities, something that is welcomed at our villages around the UK.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone once the Audley Stanbridge Earls officially opens later this year.”

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, the site was occupied by Stanbridge Earls School which shut in August 2013 after failing to get enough children to sign up for classes.

This came after the school was at the centre of sex abuse allegations.

Audley bought the grade-two listed Tudor manor house for £10 million and plans for a new retirement village for over-55s were approved in August 2017.

The retirement village opened earlier this year and includes a host of amenities for its elderly residents.

They include a heated swimming pool, a fitness studio, a hair salon, a hobby room, a restaurant, bistro and a bar.

The owners of Stanbridge Earls can be traced as far back as the "11th century and include William Nightingale, father of Florence Nightingale", according to Audley Villages website.

Residents who want to make a comments on the application should send them to mwhite@testvalley.gov.uk by November 15.