Thanks to Maxine for sharing results of the survey carried out recently in Newport in relation to the increased capacity of 90,000 at the Isle of Wight Festival. Ed
The Planning & Licensing Committee of Newport Parish Council have announced their initial findings after an extensive survey of residents in the vicinity of the festival site at Seaclose Park and declared it to have been a thoroughly worthwhile exercise.
The Parish Council delivered questionnaires to 1102 households and had more than 570 returns; a very healthy response of just short of 52%.
The Committee believe that this demonstrates that a very large number of local residents have a view on the matter and they were prepared to take the time to share that view with others as part of a formalised process, whether it’s in opposition or in support of the festival.
64% oppose increased capacity
The initial analysis shows that while 71% of the respondents continue to support holding the festival at Seaclose Park, some 64% (358 households) are opposed to the increase to 90,000 that was agreed about six months ago just before the last event.
Parish Members believe that this, in itself, raises two very important and fundamental points.
“Moral obligation to local people”
Firstly, irrespective of the shortcomings of the relevant legislation that places no statutory requirement on the Licensing Authority to consult residents, the view is that IWC had at least a moral obligation to local people and should have conducted a comprehensive resident survey prior to now and certainly before the decision taken in May to increase the size of the event to up to 90,000.
Secondly, the response on the increase in the size of the festival is a clear vindication for the position adopted by the Parish Council in opposing the last license application and speaking publicly against the increase that is continuing to cause considerable concern locally.
More results to come
The appraisal of the remainder of the returned questionnaires will, in due course, put more ‘flesh on the bones’ in terms of the overall response.
In some respects the level of support for the festival is good to see and the Members of the Committee think that the promoter could well draw some comfort from the results along with the Officers (IWC) involved in the local transportation arrangements as well as the Police.
Further details and additional analysis will appear on the Parish Council website in due course.
Image: © Adam Sorenson
