CONTROVERSIAL plans to sell alcohol and play music at an Otterbourne pavilion have been signed off.

Licensing chiefs have granted the licence for the building on Oakwood Park Recreation Ground, Oakwood Avenue, despite nearly 20 objections.

The application had been made by Colden Common Football Club, and had also sought permission for live music, but this was removed to “minimise disturbance to local residents”.

Among the 18 objectors were Isabel and Gareth Mack, of Oakwood Avenue, who wrote: “We are a family which lives directly next to the park and recreation ground.

“Granting a general Monday-Saturday evenings alcohol licence to a private club in a small public recreation ground would be extremely irresponsible.”

James Gilbert, of Oakwood Avenue, added: “The sports pavilion is in a recreation ground very close to a residential area and a play park designed for use by families with young children.

“Granting an alcohol licence and the ability to play recorded music up to 11pm will lead to anti-social behaviour and noise pollution, causing distress to local residents. There are already three pubs in the village that can support post-match social activities so there is no reason to set up a social club that has no link with the local community.”

However, Winchester City Council’s licensing committee felt satisfied with conditions agreed between the club and Hampshire Constabulary.

The decision means the club can now play recorded music between 6pm and 10pm, Monday to Thursday; and 6pm to 11pm, Friday and Saturday. The same hours apply for selling alcohol, except for Saturday’s and bank holidays which will be between 1pm and 11pm; and Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, 11am to 11pm.